The Deer Hunter (1978)

Directed by Michael Cimino

Starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep, John Savage, John Cazale, George Dzundza, Chuck Aspegren, Shirley Stoler, Rutanya Alda, Pierre Segui, and Joe Grifasi

Although it's not a Vietnam classic along the lines of Apocalypse Now or Platoon, The Deer Hunter is an interesting look at war from the points of view of not only the soldiers, but also of the friends and family they leave behind at home. Christopher Walken gives a fine, and surprisingly non-strange performance as Nick, a man who is particularly affected by his experiences in the war. This was not Meryl Streep's first movie, as she had appeared in Julia the year before, but it was here that she first gained notice as Nick's girlfriend who becomes involved with Robert De Niro's Michael when he comes home and Nick doesn't. De Niro is also on top of his game. A fine example from the 1970s, the best decade for Best Picture Oscar winners.

Other nominees: Coming Home (Hal Ashby), Heaven Can Wait (Warren Beatty and Buck Henry), Midnight Express (Alan Parker), and An Unmarried Woman (Paul Mazursky)