Born on the Fourth of July

Watch Born on the Fourth of July

  • R
  • 1989
  • 2 hr 25 min
  • 7.2  (114,950)
  • 75

Born on the Fourth of July is a 1989 American biographical war drama film directed by Oliver Stone and starring Tom Cruise, Bryan Larkin, and Raymond J. Barry. The movie is based on the 1976 autobiography of the same name by Ron Kovic, a Vietnam veteran who became an anti-war and human rights activist after being paralyzed in combat.

The movie tells the story of Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise), a patriotic young man from a working-class family in Long Island, who volunteers for the Marine Corps and is sent to fight in Vietnam. Full of ideals and expectations, Kovic is quickly disillusioned by the horrors of war, the incompetence of his superiors, and the suffering of both the American soldiers and the Vietnamese civilians.

After a series of traumatic experiences, Kovic is shot and paralyzed from the chest down, and is sent back home to a hero's welcome but a harsh reality. He struggles to adapt to his new lifestyle, which includes dependence on wheelchairs, medication, and caregivers. He also struggles with guilt, shame, and anger, as he begins to realize the full extent of the lies and injustices that led him to fight in Vietnam.

Kovic's doubts and questions about his role in the war grow stronger as he becomes involved with a group of fellow veterans who share his disillusionment and his desire to speak out against the government policies that sent them to Vietnam. Kovic also reconnects with his former high school girlfriend, Donna (Kyra Sedgwick), who becomes his closest ally and supporter.

As Kovic becomes more politically active and vocal, he faces resistance, ridicule, and violence from some of his fellow Americans, who see him as a traitor or a communist. He also has to confront his own conflicted feelings about his patriotism, his masculinity, and his identity as a disabled veteran.

The movie portrays Kovic's evolution from a naive and eager recruit to a mature and compassionate activist, who fights for the rights and dignity of all people affected by war, whether American or Vietnamese, able-bodied or disabled, male or female, straight or gay. Kovic's journey is both personal and universal, as it reflects the changes and challenges of a generation that lived through one of the most traumatic events in American history.

The movie benefits from powerful performances by the main cast, especially Tom Cruise, who delivers one of his most intense and vulnerable roles. Cruise portrays Kovic with a mix of bravado, confusion, and pain, and he captures the essence of a complex character who is both a victim and a survivor of his circumstances.

The movie also features impressive cinematography by Robert Richardson, who captures the beauty and horror of Vietnam and the harsh reality of Kovic's post-war life with equal skill. The soundtrack by John Williams complements the emotional tone of the movie, highlighting the hope and despair of Kovic's journey.

Overall, Born on the Fourth of July is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that explores the human cost of war and the power of personal transformation. The movie offers a timely reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and values, even when they go against the norms and expectations of society.

Born on the Fourth of July is a 1989 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 75.

Born on the Fourth of July
Description
Where to Watch Born on the Fourth of July
Born on the Fourth of July is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Born on the Fourth of July for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1989
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    2 hr 25 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (114,950)
  • Metascore
    75