This movie revisited so many questions in my mind especially with America's current situation in the Middle East. Oliver Stone conveys the unfathomable hardships and struggles that plagued veterans of the Vietnam War and Tom Cruise plays an important and memorable role in translating the real life of Ron Kovic.
Description:Set in the years between 1956 and 1976; Produced and released in 1989. One of the best films made about the devastating impact of the Vietnam War on the body politic, BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY is superbly executed by director Oliver Stone, who evokes what may be Tom Cruise's best performance as Vietnam vet Ron Kovic. Before the war sSet in the years between 1956 and 1976; Produced and released in 1989. One of the best films made about the devastating impact of the Vietnam War on the body politic, BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY is superbly executed by director Oliver Stone, who evokes what may be Tom Cruise's best performance as Vietnam vet Ron Kovic. Before the war starts, Kovic is a normal American kid, going to school, hanging out with his friends, and bagging groceries for pocket money. But as the Vietnam conflict begins to impact the lives of everyone around him, the patriotic teenager decides to enlist. Although his father (Raymond J. Berry) is not happy with his decision, his mother (Caroline Kava) could hardly be more enthusiastic. Once in combat, Kovic becomes disillusioned with his commanding officer (John Getz) who dismisses the fact that Kovic accidentally shot one of their own men in combat. Shortly thereafter, Kovic is paralyzed from the chest down by a bullet in the spine. He must begin a lengthy and excruciatingly painful rehabilitation, which includes a period in the shockingly negligent Bronx Veteran's Hospital. He finally returns to his hometown, now a confused, embittered, and alienated man. His family is also unsettled, unsure about how to deal with this very changed person. After a dissipated spree with other disabled vets like Charlie (Willem Dafoe), Kovic begins talking to antiwar activists like Donna (Kyra Sedgwick) and starts to reevaluate his thinking. In sum, BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY is a deeply moving true account of the effects of war on its survivors.
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Cast : Tom Cruise, Tom Berenger, Frank Whaley, Stephen Baldwin, Kyra Sedgwick, Tom Sizemore, Daniel Baldwin, Oliver Stone, William Baldwin, Vivica A. Fox, Willem Dafoe, Lili Taylor, Eagle Eye Cherry, Holly Marie Combs
What was it about?
The biography of Ron Kovic. Paralyzed in the Vietnam war, he becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after feeling betrayed by the country he fought for.
My two cents:
It is another of his movies that I really need to re-watch. To be h"
"This is an impassioned movie, made with conviction and evangelical verve. It's also hysterical and overbearing and alienating.
- Hal Hinson, Washington Post
Stone has created a film whose overblown parts add up to far less than the epic whole he had in mind.
- Desson Thomson, Washington Post"
raisleygordon added this to a list 1 month, 2 weeks ago
"While my birthday doesn't fall on a holiday, I do have a sister who was born on Halloween. And a cousin who was born on Valentine's Day.
And I knew a kid in high school whose birthday was on Flag Day.
Therefore, as people who had to share the celebration of their special day with that of a holiday, I conferred with them (well, with the exception of the kid I knew in high school..... I haven't seen since back then & have no idea how to contact him.....) to see if their experiences in any way alig"
propelas added this to a list 2 months, 2 weeks ago
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57 comments
Almost a complete review of Oliver Stone's work 
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