Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Synopsis of Born on the Fourth of July

The second of three films by co-writer/director Oliver Stone to explore the effects of the Vietnam War (Platoon and Heaven and Earth are the others), Born On The Fourth Of July tells the true story of Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise), a patriotic, All-American small town athlete who shocks his family by enlisting with the Marines to fight in the Vietnam War. Once he is overseas, however, Kovic's gung-ho enthusiasm turns to horror and confusion when he accidentally kills one of his own men in a firefight. His downfall is furthered by a bullet wound that leaves him paralyzed from the chest down. He returns home, spends an appalling, nightmarish stint in a veterans' hospital, and follows an increasingly disillusioned and fragmented path that ultimately leaves him drunk and dissolute in Mexico. However, Kovic somehow turns himself around and pulls his life together, becoming an outspoken anti-war activist in the process. The film is long but emotionally powerful; many consider it Stone's best work and Cruise's best performance. Both were nominated for Oscars, as was the film itself, but only Stone, who co-wrote the film with Kovic from the latter's book, won for Best Director. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

145 mins

Director(s):

Oliver Stone

Writer(s):

Dave Freeman, Ron Kovic, Oliver Stone

Producer(s):

Clayton Townsend, Joseph P. Reidy

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(War Violence, Not For Children, Sexual Situations, Profanity)

Categories:

War

• 1990 - Berlin International Film Festival - Golden Berlin Camera
• 1989 - Directors Guild of America - Best Director
• 1989 - Golden Globe - Best Picture - Drama
• 1989 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Screenplay
• 1989 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Director
• 1989 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Picture - Drama
• 1989 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
• 1989 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Screenplay

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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