Incredible war epic with brilliant performances from De Niro and Walken.

Rating: Null/10 (24 June 1999)

The Deer Hunter (in my mind) is the best Vietnam war film ever and the third best war film (behind Glory and The Thin Red Line). It is split up into 3 different sections, the pre-war section with a wedding and hunting scene, the war section with the famous and haunting Russian Roulette scene and the post-war section. The film is long, but not too long in that it develops the characters, puts them through hell, and then lets you see their reactions to it after its over. Robert De Niro (Raging Bull, Cape Fear) is outstanding as the natural leader of the friends. Meryl Streep (Kramer Vs. Kramer, One True Thing) is great as one of the best friends of the group. Finally, Christopher Walken (Suicide Kings, The Prophecy) gives a haunting and shattering performance as the member of the group who becomes the most messed up and can't make himself come home. Walken definitely deserved his Oscar. The rest of the cast all give fine performances especially John Savage (White Squall, Salvador). Highly recommended.