Distant Thunder (1988)

50% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
35% of users liked it
(311 ratings)

Discharged from Vietnam, John Lithgow and his army buddies have trouble fitting into a hostile home-front society. Rather than endure dirty looks and taunts of "baby killer," Lithgow and his friends wander aimlessly all through the Pacific Northwest. Several years pass, during which time Lithgow's… More Discharged from Vietnam, John Lithgow and his army buddies have trouble fitting into a hostile home-front society. Rather than endure dirty looks and taunts of "baby killer," Lithgow and his friends wander aimlessly all through the Pacific Northwest. Several years pass, during which time Lithgow's estranged son Ralph Maccio grows to manhood. Finally emerging from his self-imposed exile, Lithgow begins searching for the son he's never known. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr.
Directed By: Rick Rosenthal
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Nov 11, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Dec 7, 2004
Studio: Paramount Home Video

Critic Reviews

Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com
Cliched film about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but with surprisingly strong performances by Lithgow and Macchio.
Chuck Rudolph, Matinee Magazine
Lithgow's raw performance helps to counteract the run-of-the-mill plot.

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