The Deer Hunter
8.1
The Deer Hunter fingerprint
Stunning style, high energy, a touch of humor.
Energy
Brutally violent and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Violence9
- Tension8
- Spectacle8
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor3
- Satire & Parody2
World
War, the mind, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion10
- Novelty8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and sound design
- Cinematography9
- Editing9
- Sound Centrality9
Energy
HighBrutally violent and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Deer Hunter is brutally violent, tense, and spectacular. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Warfare10Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque8Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
World
HighWar, the mind, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around war, the mind, and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Warfare10Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, editing, and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque8Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
One of the most important and powerful films of all time!
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about The Deer Hunter
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Deer Hunter worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 86/100 (IMDb 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes 86%, and Metacritic 90). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Deer Hunter rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, disturbing imagery, suicide themes, and drug use.
How long is The Deer Hunter?
3 h 3 min
The Deer Hunter runs 3 h 3 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Deer Hunter?
Yes. Critics average 88 and audiences 85 out of 100, so both groups see The Deer Hunter much the same way.
Was The Deer Hunter a box office hit?
Yes. It cost about $15 million to make and earned $49 million worldwide, 3.3 times its budget.
What language is The Deer Hunter in?
It was made in English, with some French, Russian, Vietnamese. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Deer Hunter?
+53GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Deer Hunter in 67 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Deer Hunter use?
TV Tropes lists 60 storytelling tropes for The Deer Hunter, including Russian Roulette, Foreshadowing, Scenery Porn.