Distant Thunder (1988 film)


Distant Thunder is a 1988 American drama film directed by Rick Rosenthal and starring John Lithgow and Ralph Macchio.

Plot

The film tells the story of a troubled ex-Navy SEAL and Vietnam War veteran Mark Lambert, who, upon returning home from the war, alienates his wife and child by deserting them and moving away into the remote wilderness of Washington state.
After 10 years of living off the land and suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, Mark Lambert decides to rejoin civilized society and find his now teenage son, who is living in Illinois. As an estranged father and recluse, Mark Lambert quickly finds himself unprepared for the changes that he must face.

Cast

The film received mixed reviews from movie critics. Roger Ebert commenting on this film said "Lithgow's performance is at the heart of the movie, and at the heart of his work is the way he smokes a cigarette or avoids looking anyone in the eye."

Box office

The movie was not a box office success.