Considering Cimino’s passing and the damage to his standing after 'Heaven's Gate', I felt compelled to watch 'The Deer Hunter'. Despite its considerable length, exceeding three hours, it’s remarkable, with a rhythm that feels precisely calibrated. It’s easy to understand how he gained the complete creative control that would ultimately contribute to his problems—and those of a studio—with his subsequent project. However, achieving such quality and demonstrating that level of aspiration, alongside genuine skill, represents a triumph in its own right. The film benefits immensely from the performances of the five principal actors, all at their peak, combined with a strong script – arguably the first Vietnam movie to offer thoughtful consideration – and Vilmos Zsigmond’s cinematography, which suggested something exceptional was on the horizon. Certain moments linger long after viewing. I'm particularly struck by the stunning circular camera movement in Linda’s bedroom when she acknowledges her relinquished hopes for Nick and prepares to express her feelings for Michael; it’s truly extraordinary. What about you? It’s no surprise that many people who dislike Cimino’s films become silent when 'The Deer Hunter' comes up—there's a solid basis for that reaction. It is rightly regarded as one of the best American movies of the 1970s, a decade brimming with excellent films.

Source on TMDB