Robert De Niro’s powerful war movie is on TV tonight

One of the best war films ever, the movie won five Oscars, including in the Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor categories.

"In Vietnam, their dreams of military honour are quickly shattered by the inhumanities of war," the plot synopsis adds. "Even those who survive are haunted by the experience, as is Nick's hometown sweetheart, Linda (Meryl Streep)."

The Deer Hunter sparked controversy for its depiction of Vietnam, particularly its much-publicised scenes of the Viet Cong forcing American captives to play Russian roulette, a plot point widely criticised as having no historical basis.

Nevertheless, the movie was a massive box office and critical hit. It went on to win five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Cimino, and Best Supporting Actor for Walken.

Watch the trailer for The Deer Hunter right here:

Decades later, the three-hour-long drama remains a devastating exploration of what critic Roger Ebert called "the deliberately random violence" of war and how it impacts an ordinary group of friends.

The film also boasts some of the best acting viewers are ever likely to see. It's worth noting that the great John Cazale (Fredo in The Godfather) has a supporting role in The Deer Hunter, which was his final movie appearance before his death at the age of 42.

The Deer Hunter is airing on TV tonight/tomorrow morning on the channel Legend at 1.45am. The movie is available to rent on Apple TV, JustWatch, Prime Video, Rakuten TV, and the Sky Store.

Here are the other movies airing on TV tonight (Friday, 13 November)

For more recommendations like The Deer Hunter, check out this JOE list of all the movies on TV for each night of the week.