Rolling Thunder (film)

Rolling Thunder is a 1977 American neo-noir action thriller film directed by John Flynn and written by Paul Schrader and Heywood Gould, from a story by Schrader. The film stars William Devane as Major Charles Rane, a Vietnam War veteran who returns home to Texas after being held as a prisoner of war for several years.

Upon his return, Rane is hailed as a hero but struggles to readjust to civilian life and connect with his wife and son. The family is then brutally attacked by a group of thugs who rob them, severely injure Rane's wife and son, and mutilate Rane's hand.

Frustrated by the ineffectiveness of the police investigation, Rane, along with his war buddy Johnny Vohden (Tommy Lee Jones), embarks on a violent quest for revenge, tracking down the criminals responsible for the attack. The film is known for its graphic violence and depiction of post-Vietnam trauma and disillusionment. It explores themes of masculinity, alienation, and the psychological impact of war. Despite a mixed critical reception upon its initial release, Rolling Thunder has since gained a cult following and is considered a significant entry in the revenge film subgenre.