The true meaning of the film!!

Rating: 10/10 (15 July 1999)

The Deer Hunter is one of the most brilliant films ever made but it is about much more than the horrors of war and how Vietnam screwed up a group of friends. The war is about the death of the spirit of all individuals. In the film the characters lose thier belief in America. Going into the Vietnam war most Americans believed that their country was a beacon of justice and was an international do gooder. The Vietnam War destroyed that myth for millions of Americans, both civilians and soldiers. The war exposed the U.S. as the imperial-capitalist exploiter that it is. The loss of faith by the community is most beautifully shown as every sings God Bless America after Nicks funeral. They are all deadened and flat -- what a lie the song is! Even more beautifully displayed however is the personal loss, by Nick played by Christopher Walken. Going into Vietnam Nick and Mike (Robert DeNiro)both believe in America, but more symbolically they both believe in the perfection of shooting a deer with one shot in the mountains close to god when all is perfect in the world. But after Vietnam the belief is gone, Mike can not shoot a deer in one shot. And Nick is unable to live after Mike reminds him of one shot. Its the lie Nick was trying to avoid in Russian Rollette parlors all over Saigon but then its there in front of him, How can he live, he must die!! One Shot was a sham! - America is lie! The world is ugly and there is no truth there is no god there is nothing!!!
Besides the beautiful metaphor of the film and the powerful message the movie is well acted, directed, and filmed. DeNiro, Walken, Savage, Streep, and even the V.C. Russian Rollette referee all give amazing performances. The scenes are both powerful and sensative, every action is subtly touched with true emotion. Also some of the shots are just incredible. This movie is definitely one of the all time greats.