Distant Thunder

Now this is a brilliant saga of a father-son rivalry in an emotional and atmospheric drama set within the backdrops of the post-Vietnam war. I remember watching this film during the year when it was just out and for some reason it couldn't let go off my mind. John Lithgow and Ralph Macchio plays two opposite characters of a disturbed father and a lost son relationship which blends to an utmost perfect chemistry and with the slick and tight direction of Rick Rosenthal,(I wonder why is he doing only materials for TV nowdays) the film delivers some outstanding cinematography and manages to grip you until the powerful climax. Even though you are not fond of humanity dramas, this movie would still please you as you watch John Lithgow's Oscar-caliber performance and the message of Peace implicitly.I enjoyed it on the whole and I am glad its out on DVD!

The one scene that really impressed me was the point where John Lithgow's character does postal on a guy with a knife at a bar. It was many years ago since I've seen this film. I still remember that scene. The instant rage in Lithgow, the fear he had of his own actions, and how freakin big he really is. JL never really seemed like an imposing guy to me till then. Good dramatic actor, would like to see more...

From the dark misty jungles of Viet-Nam comes this true life story written by Robert Stitzel and directed by Rick Rosenthal. It concerns Mark Lambert, (John Lithglow) a Viet-Nam Vet who returned from the war with more black memories than he could handle. Upon his return to the states, he realizes he cannot deal with his home life and thus deserts his wife and infant child. While living in the wooded highland of his state, he and several other veterans, (Reb Brown) exist day to day with their nightmarish memories in hopes of understanding them. During the same time, life continues and with it Jack (Ralph Macchio) his eighteen-year-old son who decides to locate his father. With the help of a friend Char (Kerrie Keane) the two meet and thus begins the search for who they once were. The film is brutal with explosive emotions and pent-up rage from both Father and Son who expect much, but realize time has become both an an enemy and an ally. Lithglow, gives a fabulous performance and Macchio holds his own. Together, theirs becomes a memorable moment in film history. Easily recommended for those seeking a good understanding of the Viet-Nam era and the souls it devoured. ****

This movie was really good, and yet nobody has ever heard of it. John Lithgow gave a great performance as a disturbed bush-vet, and Ralph Macchio also gave an exceptional performance as his son. At first I thought that this was going to be stupid because Lithgow wouldn't be able to pull off a dramatic roll, since he is so funny in 3rd Rock, but I was proven wrong! He did a great job. The only problem I had was the stories of why the other two bush-vets were there, it barley explained Harvey and it didn't explain Mark's other "Amigo" (if you haven't seen it, that's what they call each-other); other than that, it was great!

It's ashame that Lithgow's next movies were him playing a snooty British accent (thank God he found 3rd Rock!). 8/10

John Lithgow surprises me in this carefully penned, sombre mediative low-scale character drama masterfully directed by Rick Rosenthal (Halloween II '81' and 'Bad Boys '83'). The heartfelt topic at hand centres on a man (Nam VET) who returns home to not only to hide away from society (shacked up with a bunch of other ex-Nam soldiers in the wilderness), but also his wife and son. He would like to make contact with his now grown-up son (which is excellently performed by Ralph Macchio), but has trouble overcoming the thoughts of him seeing what he has become. The scarring mentality of combat has changed the way he interacts with people. Escaping those demons means solitude and the area (woodlands replacing steamy jungles) fits these outcasts that no one truly understands. Still he wants to live a normal life and through the caring guidance of Char (a beautifully touching performance by Kerrie Keane) he gets a job and gains the courage to write to his son to plan a get-together. But one thing leads to another, as he finds it's harder to cope and heads back to where he knows there's no expectations.

The chemistry and exchanges between Lithgow and Macchio is astutely projected, because of the actor's conviction to the material's sources. Lithgow's solemn performance is powerfully engaging in a quietly reflective manner. Where he draws upon a sturdy, but multi-facet display that shows how strong a dramatic actor he is. I'm sure if it wasn't for his performance, it wouldn't have the same imprint. Any Lithgow admirer should seek out this favourably rewarding performance.

The harrowing story has heart, where relationships are constructed, tested and formed. The war might be over now, but for those who served, it's still a great part of their everyday lives and peace will never consistently fulfil that emptiness. But for Lithgow's character his son can change that. But there's one line in the movie that sums up where this movie is going; "I'm not going to waste all of your time so I'm just going a few words. Like all of you, I would like to move on in life." Towards the end it spurts out a little bit of some thrilling action, which feels totally out-of-place with the context, but is agreeably executed. Rosenthal's accomplished handling comes up trumps. Maurice Jarre's score is exotically haunting and Ralf Bode's silky camera-work is admirably done.

This praiseworthy (if alienating) unknown feature is well worth the gander and one to really ponder over.