Born on the Fourth of July is the story of Ron Kovic, a real man who fought in the Vietnam War by his own choice, became paralyzed there, and returned to the United States, later becoming an anti-war activist. Spanning twenty years of U.S. history, from the mid-1950's to the mid-1970's, the Kovic's story is set against an era of great turbulence and conflict.
Tom Cruise gives an excellent performance as the paralyzed veteran. His transformation from gung-ho teenager wanting to fight communism to anti-war demonstrator and speaker is very believable. Cruise portrays anger, frustration, pain, yearning for love, confusion, fear and hope. It is clear that his character cannot understand what is happening once he is back in the United States.
Cruise's supporting cast is also very good, although they all have small roles. Willem Dafoe plays another paralyzed Vietnam vet that Kovic meets in Mexico, and he turns in a memorable performance.
The transformation of Ron Kovic's belief system is well documented, as he is badly mistreated in the veteran's hospital by the Black workers who are (justifiably) angry about the war. People who oppose the war pressure him to speak out against it, and some ostracize him completely. Kovic turns to alcohol and fighting, as so many vets did, not understanding that he is also suffering from post-traumatic stress.
There are many, many powerful scenes, some of which are quite disturbing. Director Oliver Stone pulls no punches in making his point. (I assume that any person interested in viewing this film would intuitively know that, but the graphic content both of the Vietnam War and of the brutality of the police later in the film are quite graphic).
Oliver Stone won an Academy Award for Best Director for this picture in 1989, which was also nominated for Best Picture (it lost to Driving Miss Daisy). It is blessedly free of the conspiracy theories for which Stone is now famous (or infamous); instead he succeeds in condemning Nixon on logical grounds.
I rented this movie not really expecting to enjoy it, but to gain some insight into the Vietnam "conflict." (The history of the Vietnam war was not covered in my public school education. I graduated from high school in 1990.) While I wouldn't describe my viewing experience as enjoyable exactly, this is an important movie, which should be viewed by Americans.
Product DetailsOriginal Title:Born On The Fourth Of July (Widescreen)Actors: Amanda Davis - Anne Bobby - Raymond J. Barry - Seth Allen (II) - Tom Cru...More at iNetVideo.com
Tom Cruise delivers a riveting and unforgettable portrayal of Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic in Oliver Stone's Academy Award-winning masterpiece. Based on ...More at NBC Universal
Tom Cruise delivers a riveting and unforgettable portrayal of Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic in Oliver Stone s Academy Award-winning masterpiece. Based on ...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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