Born on the Fourth of July

Born on the Fourth of July (adapted from the book of the same name) was Oliver Stone’s second movie in his dramatic Vietnam War trilogy and in my opinion the best. The film is also notable for showing that Tom Cruise could be a serious contender when it comes to acting.

"People say that if you don't love America, then get the hell out. Well, I love America."

Brief Plot Overview:

The film follows Tom Cruise as Ron Kovic, a New York teenager who is very patriotic. This leads him to enlist in the Marines Corps as he wants to fight for his country. After signing up, the film jumps to Kovic in Vietnam where several traumatic events occur including friendly fire and the death of civilians. Later, Ron is badly wounded and becomes paralyzed from the waist down. He is then sent to a Veterans hospital where despite trying relentlessly to try and walk again, it becomes apparent that he will be permanently wheelchair bound. Although returning home in 1969, Kovic is probably more detached from his family than ever. After going to Mexico to “The Village of the Sun” he visits the family of Wilson, (a private he shot in Vietnam) to clear himself of guilt. The film then jumps to 1972 at the Republican National Convention where Ron and other protesters fight to get their voices heard. The film ends with Kovic’s speech at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, shortly after the publication of his autobiography, Born on the Fourth of July.

Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) speaks out against the Vietnam War at the 1972 Republican National Convention.

Despite having some scenes in Vietnam, the film, rather than focusing on the brutality of the actual warfare (which Stone had previously done very well with Platoon in 1986), focused on the effect this had on the soldiers as veterans and the impact and opinions of different societal groups back in the United States.

"God does not exist! He died as my legs! There is no god! There's no country!"

Verdict:

This is a landmark Vietnam War film, its ability to stand out in an era full of them shows that it is worthy of recognition. The film shows the innocence and ignorance of youth and how war takes this away. Tom Cruise (Oscar nominated for his role) gives his first truly great performance of his career as a teenage boy devoted to his country and “protecting it” who turns into a man who is determined to oppose it and its questionable war in South East Asia. A very powerful and thought–provoking movie that tackles a very turbulent time in American history with precision and care. Although tackling very similar topics to Oliver Stone’s other pictures, most notably Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July is less preachy and in your face but some scenes might get quite repetitive for some viewers and with a run-time of almost two and a half hours, it may be difficult for some people to stay focused. However Tom Cruise’s performance in my opinion is enough to keep most captivated. The message may seem dated but actually with the continued conflicts in the Middle East, Stone’s second Vietnam movie is still surprisingly relevant.