Rolling Thunder - whoa, that got dark fast!

Okay, so I finally watched "Rolling Thunder" (1977). I knew NOTHING going in except it had Tommy Lee Jones when he was, like, baby-faced. And honestly, the first half felt kinda…meh? Like, a Vietnam vet comes home and everyone treats him like a big deal. I was expecting something… I don't know, maybe uplifting? But then things take a HARD left turn. Seriously, the home invasion scene? Yikes. Didn't see that coming. Also, William Devane is super intense in this. I'm not gonna spoil anything, but let's just say that hook he gets… yeah, that's a thing. And then the whole seeking revenge plot? I was on the edge of my seat. It's definitely not a feel-good movie, but it's strangely compelling. It felt like a proto-John Wick, maybe? But way grittier and much less shiny. The ending was... well, I'm still processing it, tbh. Not sure what to think. It's not a perfect movie, the pacing is a bit off at times, and the beginning felt kinda slow. But the darkness and the intensity are definitely worth checking out, especially if you're into those kinda movies that explore the psychological impact of war. Oh, and I did some research, it was directed by John Flynn, not unknown! Lol. Anyone else seen this one? What were your thoughts? Was I the only one who was totally blindsided by how violent it got?