*The Deer Hunter* is unforgettable

[@tonym362]

Myself & 3 buddies grew up & Detroit, we all worked in a steel mill. 2 of us joined the military while still in high school on the "buddy" plan. We reported 6 weeks after graduation. I was lucky & came back from being In County, my buddy did not, as my brother also never made it home. This movie is very personal. Thank you for your reaction .

[@holddowna]

I’m so sorry. Thank you for your service. ❤️

[@BadgerBJJ]

My father was from a dying NJ industrial town and was drafted in 1966. He felt this movie captured “it” more than any other movie.

[@cajunsushi]

Haven’t seen this film in ages but it’s a top tier movie for sure. Glad you reviewed it. ❤

[@DaveSoza]

Wait for it

[@doubleDD274]

God Bless , Brother.

[@thegorn68]

That scene where Nick can't answer the questions about his parents without breaking down is what won Walken the Oscar that year. Masterful acting!

[@aaaht3810]

I agree. Great acting.

[@allyourmoney]

To me that was what I thought of when I heard Christopher Walken all these years. Most people think of some SNL skit or weird villain or whatever. I think of the Deer Hunter.

[@Me-lm2ky]

Don't forget the scene when Michael was in the hotel room by himself and trying to hold back the tears with his hand. It was amazing non-verbal acting by De Niro.

[@Captwalker70]

He gets so "triggered"...no pun intended??

[@Mac1975lv]

Amen... Was just about to write the same.. of course I get runner up 😅 this scene makes me have my weekly draining of my tears

[@brucedunkle9136]

Critic, Roger Ebert wrote: “It is a progression from a wedding to a funeral. It is the story of a group of friends. It is a record of how the war in Vietnam entered several lives and altered them terribly forever. It is one of the most emotionally shattering films ever made.” You did a fine job with your reaction, Amy. You took your time with the film. It’s not an easy process. It was like watching and experiencing the movie all over again.

[@dathorndike4908]

well said

[@MrCarpen7er]

Who cares about what Roger Ebert or any other movie "critic" said ? He trashed many great movies and praised a lot of bad ones. Same with Siskel, Maltin and others.

[@Kasino80]

George Dzundza's breakdown in the kitchen at the end. This giant bundle of happiness, finally breaking.

[@watersbey25]

All he did was laugh at stupid things through out the movie. Annoying as hell. Whats so funnny about dipping a twinkie into mustard?

[@thomaswinkelmair9717]

@@watersbey25 Strange point of criticism. They were portrayed as ordinary people, living a hard life full of work and having just fun together. I always laugh about simple, stupid things. Of cause, people laugh about stupid things. Or do you really laugh about serious things? I guess you are the kind of guy who never laughs in front of people.

[@thomaswinkelmair9717]

I also love in that ending part John Cazale who stands in the kitchen and just stares, not knowing, what to do. These little moments are precious and show what it means to be just a human being.

[@elkun5247]

Shows the jovialness of the character which is contrasted by his breakdown at the end after all the sorrow caused by the war.

[@sofa_king_kool]

The feeling being lonely in a room full of people you love permeates this film. I'd bet that a lot of veterans feel that way all the time when they return home... What a sacrifice, may it not go unappreciated.

[@geogodthebat]

It does. Many tours in the Middle East and Central America. People ask, but you can't explain, and hope they never do.

[@nealrepetti2396]

Just so you know, they really killed a dear on film . Very rare to see that in a movie . Even today.

[@nammis77]

I think that goes for most veterans.

[@strawdawgs78]

Veterans often feel like FNGs in their own hometowns.

[@ThistleAndSea]

This one came out just a few years after the draft ended and the fall of Saigon. I graduated high school in '79. I registered with the selective service, but the war was over by then, Three of my older cousins though came back from Vietnam and struggled to fit in for years after. This movie was brutal to watch back then, and it is still haunting now nearly 50 years later. For a generation this is not just a movie. What a time.

[@kl8455]

and Vietnam veterans were treated much differently by some in the population as compared to say WW2.

[@trottheblackdog]

This was fresh in my mind when I was 18 in 1981 and my mom drove me to the post office to sign up for Selective Service.

[@richardkaltenbach3961]

I DROPPED OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL IN 1979 AND WENT STRAIGHT IN THE NAVY!

[@john195223]

Part of this movie was shot in my hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. Very moving film, and from frame to frame a work of art.

[@unstrung65]

One of the most unusual motion pictures ever made . Would be hell for most young viewers to follow . With the long wedding scenes , the deer hunting interlude , and finally the harrowing Vietnam scenes . But what a movie !!!

[@docsavage8640]

Young viewers now because they're used to being coddled and having everything spoonfed. In the 1970s, not a problem.

[@francisalbert1799]

the young people are used to fast. Everything quick. Tik tok shorts streaming a series in one day etc.. they aren’t used to storytelling and character development within a film

[@johncmoore416]

I was born in 1978. One of the last feral generations where we got exposed to a lot of things we were not ready for.

[@rickardroach9075]

@@francisalbert1799 When TikTok first began, videos on the app were only 15 seconds long. In early 2022, TikTok expanded the maximum length of videos to 10 minutes. I’m truly surprised young people have that much attention span.

[@phila3884]

Times have changed. I was 15 when this movie came out. You went to all the major releases. There was no Netflix or X-Box, or even DVDs waiting at home to compete for your attention. And in the process you got a free education in the arts and maybe some history.

[@JC-rb3hj]

The Deer Hunter is Cimino's masterpiece. Kudos to you for having the sensibility to understand there is not a wasted frame in it.

[@Robertsmith-un5cu]

Makes me think of a Vietnam Veteran interview I watched. Within hours of arriving in Vietnam he was dropped by helicopter in a forward position which came under massive human wave type assault that night. He was paralyzed with fear. The guy with him fired a machine gun until the barrel melted. He decided he had to fight. They fired until their weapons failed. He ran out to get more ammo or something and the position was blown up by a guy with a suicide vest. He spent the next year in the jungle fighting pretty much non stop. When his year tour was over he was brought out by helicopter back to base. He went to the chow hall to eat. His clothes were totally filthy. He began eating with his hands. He noticed everyone watching him in horror. He broke down weeping for himself and said "They made me an animal"

[@riphopfer5816]

Jesus. This gave me chills.

[@PeterWestinghouse]

Can you imagine the hell the Vietcong and NVA were going through, and the widespread subsequent PTSD the survivors suffered. The USA dropped more bombs on Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos than they did on Nazi Germany.

[@bb.buchanan]

@@PeterWestinghouse If you have a spare 18 hours, watch Ken Burns' "The Vietnam War" documentary; covers what happened over the course of 30 years (45-75) in remarkable detail from all sides. As one of the VC interviewees states: "There are no winners or losers in war, only destruction"

[@trottheblackdog]

@@PeterWestinghouse The hell with them.

[@beedub93]

One of the most harrowing interviews I’ve ever watched. 😢

[@timromerz9204]

The transition from civilian life to War life in this film is haunting. The Deer sequence at the beginning of the film is one of the best-symbolic-moments ever put to film. This is a CLASSIC. Tough watch but a Great Watch. Nice Reaction

[@acdragonrider]

My favorite is the piano one

[@usmcrn4418]

You’re right. You come home and you find everyone laughing, drinking and happy.. and you really feel like you don’t belong here.. like you’re watching a movie, but you’re not in it. And all you want to do is get back into combat. That’s the best that I can explain it.

[@holddowna]

🥺i feel that

[@rockyracoon3233]

@usmcm4418. Good observation!

[@Revolations68]

From an OEF Vet, thank you for respecting what we endure for our fellow man. Watching your videos about war movies is therapeutic for me. Nobody in my life cared to ask.

[@randallespinosa4264]

My brother and I had gone dear hunting since we were young boys with our dad and uncle. After high school my brother went to college and I joined the military. I served two deployments in Afghanistan before I was honorably discharged and came home. I lost a real good friend over there. When I came back home , I just couldn't go deer hunting anymore. I couldn't even pick up a gun. My brother passed two years ago of cancer. I didn't know I could feel any more distant than I did feel. When I feel up to it, my dad and I go fishing now. It's a good thing. I know they will be beautiful memories. To all my brother and sister veterans, I thank you for your service, and whenever you're feeling far away, just reach out, there's always someone willing to listen. Blessings to All ❣️

[@tomdg65]

Filmed in my hometown when I was just a boy. Some of my first memories are of this movie being filmed. I always have a much different reaction to it than everybody else because for me, it’s not just my hometown, but my hometown when I was a boy, and everybody I loved was alive and lived there. Mingo Junction, Ohio.

[@craignedoff991]

🙏🕊

[@bobbyalexander1758]

Was about to say the same thing filmed in Mingo/Steubenville close to where I live my son stays in Mingo

[@basher5107]

Cleveland,Ohio as well

[@marvinsarracino116]

This is a great Oscar winning movie! Deniro,Walken and Streep! What great cast! The movie really brought attention to the way vets tried to deal with the trauma of returning from war. Michael was never the same person as shown by the before and after hunting scenes! Thanks for sharing Ames.❤️💛

[@pfury67]

Deer wasn't killed, only sedated. This is one of the best movies of all time.

[@watersbey25]

It was an elk, not a deer, but a different species. De nero was supposed to off himself, but at the last moment, they had Christopher Walken perform it. Without the russian roulette scene, it would have been another movie like Coming Home

[@worstcaseofcrabsever5510]

I can't agree. Streep is a top notch actress, but she sucked in this movie. The plot drags and is rather tedious with pointlessly long scenes and generally not much happening. I had high hopes when I sat down to finally watch it. But I was disappointed. Not a terrible film, but I could rattle off hundreds of films that are better. I had a hard time accepting the basic premise of Walken's character. The music is also underwhelming and seemed to be largely neglected. This is why some scenes seem so dead. The directing was lazy and uninspired.

[@aternialaffsalot]

@@worstcaseofcrabsever5510 there always has to be that one idiot and you're it 😂

[@econhelp583]

@@worstcaseofcrabsever5510 Streep was excellent in this movie (as was the whole cast). The movie is top notch and was a smash hit when it was released. Modern audiences can have a hard time relating to this movie because times have changed and it is not very woke.

[@worstcaseofcrabsever5510]

@@econhelp583 Has nothing to do with woke. I don't know how long it's been since you have seen this film, but maybe you should look at it again. The opening wedding scene drags on, many scenes are slow moving with meaningless dialogue. The music was not used well, yes there is some bad acting. Walken and some others do a fine job, but Streep is bad and some other actors also are not good. I understand there was a climate around the real life war that helped these type of films to succeed. But to call this one of the greatest films when we have a century of films to compete with it is laughable. Before this I had never seen Streep do bad acting. But she was obviously inexperienced at the time. Watch it again and you will have a hard time staying engaged. I didn't say it was the worst film ever, just that I would never call this one of the best ever. It does not stand the test of time. Watch 15 minutes of it and you will agree.

[@kevinslayzak1214]

Wow... this is a deep movie...im Gen-X..i can't even see the title of the movie without tearing up 😞... great movie... overlooked and forgotten by todays society..

[@hannahprose]

"She lost a great love." Meryl losing fiancé John Cazale makes that statement even more tragic.

[@inhonoroftrip6320]

Meryl even got a role in this film to be nearer to him as much as possible towards the end of his life. Her role in this film earned her her first Best Supporting Actress nomination.

[@valecrassus7835]

I don't buy it. She got married to some other guy six months later. Maybe that's just Hollywood.

[@GonRogue-85]

​@@valecrassus7835 People deal with grief differently.

[@garyparkinson6198]

Was looking for this comment 👍

[@StarShipGray]

My dad got his PhD in American literature specifically about the Vietnam experience. He once told me that there are no happy stories from the Vietnam War, and he was absolutely right.

[@peterthegreat996]

there are no happy stories in war.

[@vvet70]

As a Vietnam vet I wanted say thank you for the most truthful, heartfelt and honest reaction to this movie. Respect to you.

[@jokerswildio]

Great review 👏 to one of the most important pieces of cinema ever produced!! Subscribed

[@tombrown1898]

Two friends of mine came home from Viet Nam in 1971. They were a mess, but both recovered and are leading productive lives. They discuss their war experience only with other veterans. And that's their right. As for the small town in the movie, in actuality it was Mingo Junction, Ohio. The mill where they worked was Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, in Mingo Junction. They were an old customer of mine. Great presentation, Ames!

[@brianvw2724]

Thanks for reacting to this one. My father is a Vietnam vet and this movie really had an affect on him.

[@holddowna]

❤️

[@Me-lm2ky]

I don't know why more people don't watch and react to this Oscar winning best film of the year. This is truly a masterpiece the great Michael Cimino. I love this movie.

[@USCFlash]

Because most of the people who respond to the polls and make suggestions want to see Marvel stuff, not high quality cinema.

[@Me-lm2ky]

@@USCFlash That God Bless America scene at the end always makes my eyes swell up with tears. I must have watch that movie about 20 times by now. That last scene could have been any small town in America during any one of America's many wars over the last 100 years.

[@dioghaltasfoirneartach7258]

Many younger people don't even know this movie exists. Not their fault. If they'd watch it, they'd probably react to it like this Nice Young Lady just did. 🙂

[@Me-lm2ky]

@@dioghaltasfoirneartach7258 Maybe I'm just a big movie fan, but years ago, I found a list of all the movies that won best picture for their year and watch all the ones that I did not watch yet. All the best picture Oscar winners with sounds. Not very difficult to do if you really like watching good movies.

[@basher5107]

Let’s face it folks,this is a brutal movie for every reason mentioned,probably the most horrific war movie ever made I loved the film when it first came out and had no idea I’d be in the military a year later,this isn’t the drive in movie you took your girlfriend to see that’s for sure!

[@CALAdmin88]

I love how genuine you are and are never bored, even during the wedding part which is a common criticism.

[@vegasbeersales]

That theme song is called “Cavatina” and was recorded by guitarist John Williams. I like to listen to it on occasion.

[@harrymarshall]

,, the same I have it on 45 single, and it is a strong potent listen to hear when you feel the need to, whatever yr own personal reason conducts the reprisal

[@saulinvictus9274]

My fav song

[@richcarrCCC]

I was 18 and had to register with the Selective Service in 1978 and saw this movie which instantly became my 'favorite' movie, a "favorite" movie that I didn't watch again until 1987 and then again in 2006, then again during covid, so, yeah, I've only seen my "Favorite" movie 3 times since the 1st time I saw it and, each time, a decade apart. It always reminded me of 2 deaths. Please let me tell you of one. My best friend, exact same age, in the same grade at school, lived right across the street from me, Owen Gallagher, yes, it's bee 53 yrs. since I last saw him and I still remember his name. in 1968, when we were in 3rd grade, his older brother (his idol), was drafted right as he turned 18. After serving 2 tours in Vietnam he came home in 1971! I'll never forget seeing my best friend, his mom & his dad, with tears of joy when he came home, then that weekend he crashed his car into a telephone pole and died. My 10 yr. old brain didn't know how to process it. All I know is I wished I could make my friend stop crying. They moved away after the funeral. We lived in a small town (pop. 9,000 with one main drag) for years I would go by the spot of the accident... I finally got to where I wouldn't be reminded by seeing his house across the street or the spot where his brother died, then this movie came out. I am glad it reminds me of all of that. I don't ever want to forget.

[@Thewingkongexchange]

This film is one monumental gut punch. The journey we see these guys take, from happy-go-lucky working men, to empty shells is so well told. Also the effect it has on the people in their lives. It stays with you forever.

[@TheseDarkWoods]

This is the most emotionally devastating movie I’ve ever seen. Just incredible acting from everybody. This film means a lot to me. Thanks for reacting to it. ❤

[@acheronnchase6220]

John Cazale was dying of cancer while filming this and Robert De Niro fought for him to stay in the role and convinced the studios to let him stay and he even paid the insurance to cover any losses during production of John cazale couldn’t complete shooting or died during filming John cazale and Meryl Streep were in love and in a committed relationship for years at that point and she stood beside him and took care of him and comforted him as any good partner would during his last days John Cazale was the love of her life and she never changed the way she felt her entire life She was a good woman and her love was genuine and she was admired even more for staying by his side until the end Robert De Niro was adamant about John being involved and he knew this would most likely be his last film Every film John Cazale was ever in either won the academy award for best picture or was nominated at the very least I believe that he was part of the Lee strausburg ‘acting workshop,’ whom i am sure you’ll remember starred as hyman Roth in godfather 2

[@docsavage8640]

Fredo. What are you smoking?

[@USCFlash]

@@docsavage8640 I believe he was confusingly referring to Lee Strasberg playing Hyman Roth.

[@valecrassus7835]

It's pretty weird how Meryl Streep got married to some other guy six months after Cazale died, though.

[@martensjd]

​​@@valecrassus7835How can we judge with no facts?

[@valecrassus7835]

In the 50s and before, a woman remarrying quickly (especially a middle class/poor woman with young children) would be par for the course. In successfulHollywood circles in the late 70s, not so much.

[@toolfool_]

I love that you appreciated the longer drawn out scenes. It gives so much of a depth to the characters, there's so much in this move that feels so raw and real. Thank you for sharing your reaction with us.

[@jefffisher1045]

I was a theater major and the acting is so subtle, which makes it that much more powerful, these are some of the best actors of all time John Cazale was the most respected actor by his fellow actors and at the time he was dating Meryl Streep and was his last movie. Your analysis is the best on youtube, much respect.

[@nealrepetti2396]

You are so good at this ! You are really able to explain the movies so well and talk about camera angles and the real things that go into making movies great. Love you out here ! Keep up the good work.

[@BouillaBased]

Oh, my! When you decide to push your limits, you pull out all the stops! I love this movie so much, because it's so beautifully written and shot. But I have to be in just the right mindset to watch it.

[@HT-io1eg]

You are so, so right. I used to watch everything, whenever, but now, I have to be in a certain mind for certain stuff. Weird, age I suppose

[@rabooey]

Thanks for reacting to this outstanding movie. It's a hard pill to swallow no matter how many times you watch but you still love every single visceral moment, from the comradery of the town and their tight circle of relationships to the surrealness of the traumas they endured in and after the war. It's all just so ultra real and relatable, written and performed so compassionately and compellingly. I'm proud to be among those who suggested this movie to you and I'm so happy you liked it.🙂

[@t0dd000]

This film is so unique and so ... This is a tough one. Thank you for reacting to this film. It's an important one.

[@chrism6989]

Great movie.. not just about war more about a friendship. Makeing me wanna watch it again. "One shot" love that movie

[@DONLove-e8u]

Remember this one.. Some theaters wouldn't show it .. I was 16 and saw it in cinema with a couple friends. When we left it silent on trip home for few minutes. Never saw it again for the 15 years..

[@stewbyles8564]

It was X rated in Australia when it came out.

[@swedishrob639]

Hi Amy. Love your Channel ! Heads up. John Cazale and Meryl Streep were a couple . Thanxx Amy. 👍

[@harveyrabenold7344]

This movie is a great depiction of life in the manufacturing towns in Pennsylvania. Most of them had large Eastern European immigrant populations.

[@yetisburgeadress]

This is my first time checking out your channel.. This movie is so personal to me. I am now a subscriber because of your true emotional reaction.. Thank You.

[@holddowna]

Wow! Thanks so much for the sub! Means a lot ! This movie is a hard one burns find it important to watch and it’s so well done

[@JamesASharp]

I don't care what anybody says; The Deer Hunter is the greatest war film about the Vietnam War ever made. Great reaction! 👍🏿

[@robertlaszlo3232]

Great movie, but this movie is not about the Vietnam War.

[@kellinwinslow1988]

​@@robertlaszlo3232Exactly. The war is only a backdrop. The real story is about the community and how the outsider world affects the town and everyone in it. It's like the town was an isolated place,out of time. Then it all comes crashing down. The town is just as much a character as the actual characters. There's a great interview with Quentin Tarrentino where he talks about how he spent an entire day talking with Michael Chamino about the film and it's themes. He also talks about how the studio wanted to cut over an hour out of the film which would have gutted the entire film. It's a great film but much like Apocalypse Now it's not really about the Vietnam war.

[@dangrifdhsbxjs8424]

@@kellinwinslow1988I’d say the greatest film about the Vietnam War is Platoon.

[@kevinlakeman5043]

Big ups to you, Amy, for toughing it out through this one. It's a classic, and the pinnacle of Cimino's work, but Jeebus, it's hell to work through. For me, making it through "The Deer Hunter puts you in rarefied company.

[@OttoVonBizmarkie]

damn there really are a lot of people that not will watch this film shout outs to you!!

[@kencoakley8366]

I was born in 1966. So my childhood was in the 70s. I was lucky enough to have seen a lot of iconic movies including this. When I heard you say you like 70s movies, my ears pricked up. Film scholars and film historians say that the 2 best decades for cinema were the 30s and the 70s. My taste in film is pretty diverse. This is my first time seeing your channel, so I don't know which movies you have reacted to, but some 70s films I recommend outside of the Godfather films, I strongly recommend American Graffiti, Saturday Night Fever, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon.

[@TommyBBQBessinger]

Finally somebody does a video reaction to "The Deer Hunter".

[@rickcrane9883]

Well Ames. It’s been years since I first saw this film. I thought it was going to be a war movie. But it was a friend movie, with war being a catalyst. I’m glad I got to see it again, through your eyes. It is brutally intense and leaves you emotionally drained. Thanks, as always, for your open, empathetic reaction.

[@MrLorenzovanmatterho]

"So many presents", the Russian American extras they hired for the wedding scene brought real gifts to the amazement of the crew. They also got so into the dancing they booed when the director yelled cut.

[@cdallapiccola]

My favorite film of al time. My dad took me to see it when it came out, and I was only 12 years old. It left such a deep impression on me. for me, some of the most beautiful scenes are the quietest ones. When Michael comes home and instead of going to the welcome home party goes to a hotel and paces the room. He can't sleep. His mind is still in Vietnam, he looks out the window and sees the river, like the river in Nam, and then the steel mill. Beautiful scene, with no dialogue at all from De Niro.

[@unstrung65]

One of the most unusual motion pictures ever made . Would be hell for 'most' young viewers to follow - with the wedding, deer hunting , and Vietnam scenes . But what a movie !!!

[@kareldebures7006]

I watched this movie when it came out, never watched it again until this review. And I can think of no other person to review this the way you have, thank you for doing this.

[@Jordy120]

Everyone is so young. I've watched this many times and the level of emotions are still high.

[@AMBatty]

❤ just found your channel and wow it's one of my favourite ever films. Great reaction, people struggle these days with slow burn stories so it's good to see someone let the story sink in. Cimino takes the time to build his characters and with such good actors you actually feel like you are watching a true story.

[@jazzmaan707]

This movie was what we Vietnam Veterans were going through, when we got back. The American citizens were cheering for the enemy and cursing us in public. A lot of my Vietnam brothers got permanently confused, as our families let us know how we were hated for being in the military, even though most of us were drafted. So glad the Gulf Veterans were treated better than us Vietnam Veterans. The Korean War Veterans had it just as bad, but they didn't get/have the media coverage that we got on the television every day.

[@kencoakley8366]

Thank you for your service, especially in Vietnam. My mother always supported the troops, especially the Vietnam veterans. One night, a few years ago, I was driving her to Walmart. Out of nowhere she shouted , "Damn, I love Vietnam vets." It came out of nowhere. I joked with her and replied, "I've always been partial to veterans of the War of 1812, myself". A friend of my sister's was drafted. We were afraid that he would come back dead or paralyzed. He was a Hippie and looked like Shaggy from Scooby-Doo. Not only did he not get hurt, but he was highly decorated and had a 30+ year career in the Marines. We were very relieved.

[@stevem-h5e]

45 years after the war and you're still spreading the lies and propaganda of the Nixon administration. You're a POS.

[@VercumPraeses]

I love this movie. I was born in the early 1970's in St Louis and this movie always reminds me of my dad and his buddies when I was a kid. I grew up in a big Italian family in a strong Italian community and the wedding scene always reminds me of weddings I went to as a kid. Going to the local union hall after a wedding was a staple in the community. All the guys who grew up and went to school together stayed in the community, worked and played together. Bonds were strong. This movie always touches me this way.

[@tonysoto8949]

Robert Deniro’s most underrated film, and along with The Mission my favorite films he has been in. Absolute masterpiece and the performances make you feel cold and alone as you watch them go through what seems to be hell on earth.

[@pedroV2003]

Fantastic reaction. This is a powerful movie with an amazing cast. Soundtrack is a bonus. I have to play that theme when I go to bed at night such beautiful Guitar work.

[@bigdaddy741098]

I can't even think of anything worthy to say about this movie. All I can say is to anyone who has served, past present or future... Thankyou.

[@ccfrgsc]

Yet again, I just LOVE sharing tears with you! You are such a sweetheart and someone people with PTSD can really work through emotions with. Bless your heart so much! 🥹❤️🌹

[@giodagrate5369]

RIP Paul D’Amato who played the green beret at the bar during the wedding. A true gentleman and a great actor.

[@jamesba-xd7xf]

THANK YOU for reacting to this great film that very very few reactors have watched. I saw this my last year in high school when I was 17. will never forget the russian roulet scene!.

[@paulymar5996]

The church scenes were filmed in St. Theodosius Othodox Cathedral on Starkweather Ave. In Cleveland, Ohio. My company has a repeat client we do remodeling for down on West 5th and when we work there I pass right by that church quite often.

[@robjaimes8830]

And Lemko Hall is still around, but in condo form. Tremont neighborhood.

[@20Eyes1974]

This was a great reaction, review. You obviously love movies has I and no movie impacted me as much as this one. Subscribed.👍💯

[@mcbeezee2120]

I've always thought the POW camp scene was one of the most intense in movie history. The acting unparalleled.

[@bigredtlc1828]

I did a driving trip on the old 40 National Road through small towns dotting the rivers deep in PA. I came on one town, Brownsville, with an old bridge spanning the river and Russian Orthodox churches popping up along the way. There was an old abandoned steel mill along the river near the railroad tracks. It reminded me so much of the town in this movie. Incredible movie. Thanks for reacting.

[@vegasbeersales]

Great movie about the trauma of war and human behavior. If you get a chance please watch Oliver Stone’s Platoon. Another great explanation of what happened in Vietnam.

[@janne9502]

Great reaction to one of the best movies ever! I still remember the first time watching this with my dad (his favorite movie together with One flew over the cuckoos nest) when I was 8-9 years old, the roulette scene was just incredible, couldn't wait to recommend this to my friends and watch it together with them after that

[@doyledeclue282]

This is my generation. This movie is a very deep deep movie about P t s d coming back to the world And the way the soldiers were treated. This will hurt your heart

[@oboogie2]

And before PTSD was really acknowledged as a bona fide condition.

[@drdavid1963]

@@oboogie2 - Yeah. It wasn't talked about. Everyone was living in denial back then. People were expected to go off to war, come back as if nothing had happened.

[@jaquesshugossen9398]

I wish to deeply thank you for this reaction video. It IS a very very heavy and powerful film. It always gets to me, even though I have seen it so many times. It would be so wonderful if more watched this. The wedding scene was very authentic in that the people at the wedding and reception thought it was a real wedding. The film also comments on the VietNam war as in, One third made it home, one third got hurt losing limbs in one manner or other, and one third, never made it back. There is great character in all of them and it also shows the damages that war can do to those taking part, such as the last deer hunt, with the sacred shot, and life, as he lets the buck live, but also shows in the cabin, with the revolver, those who never went, won't ever truly know what those guys, usually very young men, went through. Now if you want something lighthearted after this heavy film, I would recommend "M*A*S*H" the movie though not Vietnam, but Korea. "Deer Hunter" is a very special film, with so much incredible talent in all ways possible. It pulls at the heart strings and even though you know the film by Heart, it still gets to you, every single time.

[@barte3822]

Great reaction Ames to this powerful movie. Every Vietnam war movie has a different atmosphere depending on the time Era of when it is portrayed ; We were soldiers (1965) Platoon (67/68) Hamburger Hill (69) Apocalypse Now (69/70) ( the Charles Manson reference time dates it) and Deer Hunter (72-75) ( the civilian fleeing along the roads time dates it as the 72 Easter Offensive) By the time of this era, the war had deteriorated, years of trauma was passed along to every new guy and had set into every unit. Drug use was rampant, especially heroin. Soldiers were disillusioned and just wanted out. Remember the Green Beret at the bar saying "Fuck it" when asked what Vietnam was like. The veteran return was horrible. Watch Born on the Fourth of July for that perspective. Oliver Stone's movie Heaven and Earth is a great story of the experience of a Vietnamese woman named Le Ly Hayslip. FYI In the first Vietnam scene of the movie, Nick & Stevie are in a different unit than Mike, who was a Green Beret in the 5th Special Forces Ironically the same unit as Colonel Kurtz ✌️❤️

[@whoog74]

Love this! It is completely awesome that you dive into these films. These classics! Keep it up! How about Jaws?...

[@swvi9459]

Best movie ever in my opinion

[@brandonmouton-7698]

Found a new channel to watch. Thanks for the amazing content. Love your videos.

[@reesebn38]

This movie was a huge deal when it came out. They had one showing a night. The Newspaper ad said no tickets would be sold after film starts. I was 14 and in Ontario, Canada where we have the most restricted film laws. I had to see the movie. I've been a film buff since 2 years old. So my buddy and I sneaked in. My buddy chickened out last min. I went in. I had to duck under the seats at one point when the Usher walked by.

[@drdavid1963]

Thanks so much, Amy for reacting to this great film and giving it the respect it deserves. I totally agree with all of your comments. I would go on to say that the construction of the film is key - the long opening, the transition to the devastating Russian Roulette scene, the difficulty of Michael and his home community adjusting to the impact of the war and the incredible last section of the movie maximises its impact. I so appreciate your comment about the authenticity of the film and how much you love the 70s. Authenticity and the 1970s go together well and a main reason why so many of the movies of that period are so great. I know you have seen the likes of Apocalypse Now and The Godfather but, the 70s is well worth a deep dive - films like Five Easy Pieces, All The President's Men, Deliverance, Badlands, Chinatown, The Last Picture Show, The French Connection and many more are well worth checking out. And your thoughtful, engaging approach would do them justice. Thanks again and looking forward to the next one.

[@kadathsmith]

This is my favorte movie. Its the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

[@JamesASharp]

I wouldn't say beautiful. But yes, a very great film.

[@kadathsmith]

@@JamesASharp I guess we all find beauty in different things.

[@MilaMan]

I saw this movie when I was young boy, now I am 55. But have watched this many times. Somehow this comforts me, to be nice humble and polite in this life what I have. Because I only have this one life and you have to take good care of your life and be gentle to every human. That is what I got from this great movie.

[@holddowna]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kasino80]

John Savage does not get enough praise for his acting in this movie. Feel he gets overlooked far too often.

[@garyhillman4993]

It’s one of the greatest films ever. It send you through every emotion and the theme music is a classic too

[@deanbarcelona1427]

The wedding scene is awesome reminds me of weddings of the 1970s

[@danielmoore3634]

I love how you respect the circumstances of the characters in these heartbreaking films. Thank you for the reaction.

[@steelers6titles]

Movie put Michael Cimino on top as a filmmaker. He never bested it, although the hugely-dissed "Heaven's Gate", about the late-19th-century Johnson County, Wyoming, range war, is better than its reputation.

[@ShaunHensley]

How could this movie possibly be topped?

[@thestanleys4157]

Ive only watched this movie once. The emotional angst I felt stayed with me for days afterwards. The absolute hell these poor soldiers went through is difficult to even imagine. Great reaction to one of the most important movies ever made. Christopher Wakkens death was just devestating.

[@doyledeclue282]

I watched the fall. With my brother. He was a sergeant on a patrol boat. My other brother was in air Calvary he Road helicopters. I watched it with the first brother and he wept. So did I.

[@PNZV]

Watching the scenes that were filmed in the Weirton, Follansbee WV area and the Steubenville and Mingo Junction area brings back memories. It is amazing how much those places have changed since this movie.

[@laba7024]

"This is this" means "BE PRESENT" - you are not in the discoteque, this is a huntingparty.

[@docsavage8640]

That's not an analogy.

[@Charlesbaker3017]

@@docsavage8640 C a comparison between 2 things. Definition..ahole

[@watersbey25]

"This is this" slang has never existed in American vocabulary until Deer Hunter created it. It was never used in the 50s 60s or 70s. Its a movie quote thats been made into a famous movie phrase like You're gonna need a bigger boat, Here's looking at you, kid, I'll be back, etc. I would love to know if Di Nero ad- libbed it. But I believe it was part of the origional script. It is up to the intrepation of the viewer(s).

[@DanLaTour12]

I have an cousin that was there and until this day he wakes screaming nightly according to his wife and has never recovered from what he went through, thank you for this reaction.

[@danbrown8644]

Takes guts to watch this. It's not a happy film, but it was necessary. Thank you.

[@franktriggs]

I bought a classical guitar to learn the theme tune from this movie, Cavatina played by John Williams. Took me 2 years to be able to play it. The impact of the guitar music along with this movie really changed my life. Still playing for a living 40 years later.

[@salsonny]

John Cazale was only in 5 movies and all of them won best picture

[@padfolio]

They were all nominated for best picture. Dog Day Afternoon and The Conversation didn't win.

[@docsavage8640]

And yet almost nobody knows who he is or can name any that aren't The Godfather. Did you have a point you thought you were making?

[@valecrassus7835]

I think your point is less clear than his. Guy was in only a handful of movies, but they were all well-recieved by critics. That's still a good run. What exactly is your point, by the way? "yes, he was in well-reviewed movies, but only a couple of them were popular?" Ok, great.

[@kecurroj]

Deer hunting scenes were filmed in WA state in the Cascade Mts. I've lived in the area for over 55 years. I never get tired of the view.

[@barryirvin2417]

I believe it was filmed in Pennsylvania not Washington.

[@kecurroj]

@@barryirvin2417 Much of the praise that The Deer Hunter gets for cinematography is owed to the titular hunting scenes, which were shot in the beautiful Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Nooksack Falls in Washington State

[@barryirvin2417]

@kecurroj You’re correct and I am wrong . Thanks for the info .

[@shainewhite2781]

Winner of 5 Oscars including Best Picture. This was Director Michael Cimino's first and only film to win an Oscar. He would later direct a lot of bad movies that would become cult classics: Heaven's Gate 1980, Budget:$45 million dollars, Box Office: $5 million dollars Year Of The Dragon 1985, Budget:$15-20 million dollars, Box Office: $22 million dollars The Sicilian 1987, Budget: $16 million dollars, Box Office: $5 million Desperate Hours 1990, Budget:$18 million dollars, Box Office: $2 million dollars Sunchaser 1996, Budget: $31 million dollars, Box Office: $21,000 dollars.

[@DylansPen]

Its hard to understand how a director can make The Deer Hunter and then follow it up with nearly nothing. A 10/10 and then a lot of meh. Heaven's Gate I think sunk that ship.

[@junpeiiori4720]

Heaven's Gate is a masterpiece

[@watersbey25]

IMDB yawn 😮 where are the other 6 films, like Thunderbolt and Lightfoot?

[@thomaswinkelmair9717]

These are "bad movies"? That's new to me.

[@guymelton1094]

This won really tore me up,was way to young to have seen it when I did, but being a southern boy, it was a right of passage 😢,thanks for sharing 😊👍✌️🇺🇸

[@ReesesPieces634]

John Cazale is a fantastic actor ... so much so Meryl Streep fell in love with him and married him .... John RIP

[@Madbandit77]

They didn't get married.

[@definitelynotanAIchatbot]

​@@Madbandit77 Umm, they had three children.

[@Madbandit77]

@@definitelynotanAIchatbot Meryl married sculptor Don Gummer and they have four children.

[@CadElectri]

@@definitelynotanAIchatbot @ReesesPieces634 Cazale and Streep were partners 'til Cazale died of lung cancer(never married) '76-'78. Later that year she married Don Gummer and they had 4 children..

[@Kasino80]

Oh my god. I don't even think I can watch this reaction. It hits so hard. The love between Nick and Michael is so real.

[@troy34bronze]

In the scene where the Viet Cong were forcing everyone to play Russian Roulette the one guy was slapping everyone for real on the orders from the director. You can tell DiNero’s scream of frustration is real.

[@LaurenceJones-mw2im]

I cry every single day, and I will probably continue to cry every day. I'm a disabled Vietnam veteran and my military service has left me with deep seated wounds that never seem to heal. Please pray for me. 😢😢

[@ksgant]

The reason that movies like The Deer Hunter and Apocalypse Now were so good and heavy is because they came out in a time right after the end of the Vietnam War. The war was still a raw, open wound in our psyche. Then we got subjected to the "gung-ho" movies almost glorifying the war with the Chuck Norris movies and others in the early 1980s. It was only reversed finally by Oliver Stone's Platoon in 1986 and Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket in 1987.

[@docsavage8640]

Yes, we got the silliness of Norris and then the idiotic overcorrection by anti-American Leftist Hollywood millionaires. Oh boy.

[@StevenFleming-x7q]

The Most Honest Reflection of What Every Solider Went Through In Vietnam Not Just Surviving The War But Trying To Move On with their Lives For Those Who Returned Home. Truly Incredible Performance's From Robert De Niro & Christopher Walken, n Meryl Streep then That Haunting Soundtrack.Simply The Best Film That Was Ever Made