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Rolling Thunder is a 1977 action film directed by John Flynn and co-written by Paul Schrader. The movie stars William Devane as Major Charles Rane, a former Vietnam POW who returns home to a hero's welcome but finds it difficult to adjust to civilian life. Tommy Lee Jones co-stars as Johnny Vohden, Rane's friend and fellow veteran, who helps him seek revenge when he is robbed and left for dead. Linda Haynes plays Linda Forchet, a sympathetic nurse who aids the men in their quest for justice.

The film opens with Major Rane returning to his hometown in Texas after spending seven years as a prisoner of war. He is greeted with a parade and a ceremony in his honor, but he is visibly uncomfortable with the attention. He is reunited with his wife, son, and father, but he is distant and struggles to connect with them. Rane is given a new car as a gift, and he takes his wife out for a drive. However, they are stopped by a group of thugs who break into their home, beat Rane, and kill his wife and son. Rane is shot in the hand but survives the ordeal.

Rane is hospitalized and given a metal hook to replace his missing hand. He is interrogated by the police and FBI, but they are unable to identify the perpetrators. Rane is devastated by the loss of his family and becomes obsessed with seeking revenge. Johnny Vohden, who lost a hand in the war, visits Rane in the hospital and offers his support. They bond over their shared experiences and decide to team up to track down the criminals.

Rane and Vohden embark on a violent and bloody mission to find the men responsible for the attack. They travel to Mexico, where they find some of the robbers and extract information from them. They also meet Linda Forchet, a nurse who provides medical assistance and emotional support. They continue their search and eventually discover the mastermind behind the crime. They confront him in a brutal and disturbing climax that leaves a lasting impression.

Rolling Thunder is a gritty and intense movie that explores themes of PTSD, vengeance, and justice. The film's portrayal of violence is graphic and visceral, and it does not shy away from depicting the psychological and emotional toll of war. William Devane gives a powerful performance as the haunted and damaged Major Rane, and Tommy Lee Jones is charismatic and charismatic as his loyal and fearless ally. Linda Haynes also stands out as the compassionate and resilient Linda Forchet, who provides a much-needed balance to the film's brutality.

The movie features well-choreographed action scenes that are both thrilling and disturbing. The scene where Rane loses his hand is particularly gruesome, and the scene where he exacts his revenge is even more violent. The film's climax is unforgettable and shocking, leaving the audience with a sense of unease and ambiguity.

Despite its flaws and controversy, Rolling Thunder is a cult classic that has influenced countless action and revenge films. It is a movie that demands attention and appreciation for its bold and unflinching portrayal of trauma and violence. The film's themes of justice and revenge continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless and enduring work of art.

Rolling Thunder is a 1977 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 66.