The Deer Hunter

Rating: 5/10 (4 March 2016)

Another Best Picture winner about the Vietnam Conflict, The Deer Hunter took home Oscar's top prize in 1978. Directed by Michael Cimino, and starring big names such as Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Cazale, The Deer Hunter is packed with action through an introspective lens. Again, I am not typically a fan of war movies, and again I can see why I've left the remaining films on the Best Picture list at the end.
I was not impressed by The Deer Hunter. I found what could have been a rich story of war-torn people and friendships a sordid display of "who can be the best actor" in a movie filled with stars unwilling to share top billing. Michael, Nick, and Steven (Robert De Niro), (Christopher Walken), and (John Savage) are factory workers who decide to give their lives purpose by enlisting in the Vietnam conflict. Just before deploying, Steven marries his pregnant girlfriend, and the men bid each other and everyone else adieu at the wedding party. The remainder of the story describes their struggles and shows their repeated efforts to reunite while engaged in war. The violence of battle changes the lives of everyone involved, and this movie painstakingly illustrates that.
Constant disclaimer: Another viewing may change my perception of this film.