Released in 1978, The Deer Hunter is a gripping war drama directed by Michael Cimino and starring Robert De Niro. Set during the Vietnam War, the film follows a group of friends from a small Pennsylvania town whose lives are forever changed by their experiences in the war. Although the film received critical acclaim and won several Oscars, military historian Bill Allison has recently analyzed key scenes and found that they fall short in terms of historical accuracy.
One of the scenes under scrutiny involves the mistreatment of American prisoners of war (POWs) by the Viet Cong. Specifically, Allison focuses on the film's iconic Russian roulette game, stating that there is no evidence to support the depiction of this event taking place. Furthermore, he highlights that the portrayal of the Viet Cong is overly brutal, barbaric, and racist, which can be attributed to the film being made in the late 1970s when the war was still fresh in people's minds.
Allison emphasizes that while mistreatment of POWs did occur, both North Vietnam and the Viet Cong recognized the propaganda value of American prisoners and would not have wanted to mistreat them to the extent depicted in the film. Thus, in terms of historical accuracy, Allison rates The Deer Hunter quite low, giving it a score of three or four out of 10. However, it's important to note that the film was made during a time when the wounds of the war were still raw, and a more nuanced depiction of the enemy may not have been a priority.
Despite its historical inaccuracies, The Deer Hunter was a commercial success, earning $49 million at the box office against its $15 million budget. Critically acclaimed at the time, it won several Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor. The performances of De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep were particularly praised. However, as time passed and perspectives on the war evolved, later films began to present a more balanced portrayal of the Vietnam War, acknowledging the humanity of the Viet Cong.
While The Deer Hunter may not be available for streaming currently, it can be rented or purchased on various video-on-demand platforms. Although the film's nearly three-hour runtime and slower pace might not appeal to everyone, it is undeniable that the character-driven story and its exploration of the bond between friends impacted by the horrors of war still resonate today. Moreover, the film boasts a poignant ending that continues to move audiences.
In conclusion, The Deer Hunter is a film that reflects the era in which it was made, presenting a one-sided portrayal of the Vietnam War. While its historical inaccuracies have been criticized, the power of its performances and its exploration of the impact of war on individuals cannot be denied. As later films offered a more balanced perspective, it's important to view The Deer Hunter as a snapshot of a particular moment in cinematic history.
