Still one of the best...

Rating: 10/10 (16 October 2007)

"The Deer Hunter" is, quite simply, one of the best movies of any genre ever made. Though lengthy and a bit dated, you simply have to marvel at the intricacies. Western PA was represented about as well as can be - for the time period. The speech patterns and local jargon are masterfully used by the actors. The steel mills/communities that helped build this country/world are exemplified. It serves as a reminder to Hollywood that there's more to America than the over-used New England and New York stereotypes or the southern "drawl".
There are three acts to this movie: I Pre-war, II War, and III Post-war. I'll admit that the wedding scene in Act I drags a bit. However, I implore you to just watch. Immerse yourself in it. It will be worth it by the time the "action" starts. DeNiro and Walken show us why they are who they are today: living legends. The Russian Roulette scene will trigger emotions of even the manliest man.
Great as the movie was, it needs to be said: The "deer" were actually "Red deer" - native only to Canada. The mountains are definitely Rocky and not Appalachian. Please don't let these two minorities dissuade you.
I, personally, need to tell everyone that - despite the political nature of the film - there really are times when we all need to grow up and just enjoy art. I am an admitted Republican/Conservative, but this movie was so good that I really never thought about the political controversies of the time. I truly got the feeling - as I was watching - that, despite your political/war beliefs, this was just a movie about normal people caught up in extraordinary circumstances. The true meaning of "reverence" should be felt by all Americans after watching this film.