Rolling Thunder

Major Charles Rane returns to San Antonio after spending seven years as a POW in Vietnam. His homecoming is bittersweet as he finds his family has changed significantly during his absence; his son Mark has grown up, and his wife Janet deals with complex emotions regarding their past.

During a grand celebration honoring Rane, he is presented with a Cadillac and 2,555 silver dollars, each representing a day of his captivity. He is also reminded of his struggles by Linda Forchet, who kept his ID bracelet close during his time in Vietnam.

As Rane explores the city after his return, he unknowingly draws the interest of a gang of outlaws. Led by The Texan, the gang sees an opportunity to exploit Rane's newfound fortune, setting the stage for a violent confrontation.

The gang brutally tortures Rane, seeking to intimidate him and steal his wealth. In a desperate act to protect his father, Mark hands over the silver dollars, but the gang responds by violently attacking them, leaving emotional and physical scars.

Rane recuperates in the hospital, contemplating the heavy burden of his future. He shares moments with Linda and Master Sergeant Johnny Vohden, who reminds him of the sacrifices made during wartime, further fueling Rane's desire for revenge.

After being discharged, Rane prepares for his mission of revenge by disassembling the shotgun given to him by Mark and Cliff. He adapts to life with a prosthetic hook, symbolizing his new reality while he begins plotting against those who wronged him.

Rane embarks on a perilous journey to Mexico, with Linda deciding to join him. Together, they face moral dilemmas and the harsh realities of their quest, which binds them closer together despite the dangers ahead.

Rane sends Linda into a questionable cantina to find 'Fat Ed,' unaware that she is about to become ensnared in a trap laid by Lopez. The situation escalates quickly, but Rane arrives just in time to rescue Linda from the clutches of danger.

Rane’s path crosses with Automatic Slim in a rundown bar, leading to a violent confrontation. Rane uses his hook hand defensively, injuring Slim in the chaos and showcasing the brutality of his journey.

As Rane's actions become increasingly violent, Cliff, the local policeman, begins to unravel Rane's plan. Using his police connections, he tracks down Rane and prepares for a climactic showdown at Lopez’s hideout.

Rane and Cliff engage in a tumultuous struggle that bursts from an abandoned house into a nearby stockyard. Their confrontation escalates into a fierce gunfight, where Cliff must decisively eliminate Lopez and his gang.

Amidst the violence, Linda and Rane's relationship deepens, as they share their pasts and vulnerabilities. Linda encourages Rane to reconsider his path of vengeance after a heartfelt conversation, showing the complexity of their connection.

Rane's final assault occurs at a brothel in Juárez, leading to an intense gunfight against T-Bird, Melio, and their associates. The climax of Rane's journey culminates as he ruthlessly takes down Slim, eliminating his nemesis once and for all.

In the aftermath of the brutal confrontation, Rane and Vohden emerge battered but united. Their bond has strengthened through shared trauma, setting the stage for Rane's transformation and the unresolved quest for justice.