The Deer Hunter

August 30, 2025

00:00 01:16:59

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This week, Sean and James review the classic 1978 film The Deer Hunter, a powerful war drama that explores the impact of the Vietnam War on a group of working-class friends from a small steel town in Pennsylvania. The story follows three friends—Michael, Nick, and Steven—who are sent to fight in Vietnam, where they endure horrific experiences, including being captured and forced to play Russian roulette by their captors. The film contrasts their traumatic war experiences with their lives before and after the war, showing how deeply they are changed. Known for its emotional depth and intense performances, The Deer Hunter examines themes of friendship, loss, and the psychological scars of war.

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Meet Your Host

James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX. He has published one book and two scholarly articles. He is also the cohost (with Scott Rank) of the Presidential Fight Club, Key Battles of the Civil War, Key Battles of the Revolutionary War, and Key Battles of World War I podcasts.