Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Born on the Fourth of July (1989) — a biographical drama directed by Oliver Stone and based on Ron Kovic’s memoir — follows the life of a once-devout young patriot who returns from the Vietnam War physically shattered and morally transformed. Tom Cruise gives a raw, committed performance as Kovic, tracing his journey from an idealistic Ohio teen eager to serve his country, through the chaos and brutality of combat, to the paralysis and isolation of life as a wounded veteran. As Kovic confronts pain, betrayal, and the indifference of institutions, the film moves from harrowing battlefield and hospital sequences to fierce, emotionally charged scenes of protest and political awakening. Viewers can expect an intense, often brutal emotional experience: graphic depictions of war and injury, unflinching depictions of medical and psychological trauma, and powerful confrontations that explore guilt, rage, and redemption. The film balances visceral imagery with quieter, intimate moments of reflection, culminating in an outspoken anti-war and human-rights statement. Fans of character-driven, socially conscious cinema will find it gripping, cathartic, and provocative; expect to leave unsettled but moved, with a deeper understanding of one man’s transformation into an activist and the human cost of war. Content warnings: strong violence, physical injury, and mature themes.

Actors: Tom Cruise, Bryan Larkin, Raymond J. Barry

Director: Oliver Stone

Runtime: 145 min

Genres: Biography, Drama, War

6.7 /10 75 /100 7.2 /10 7.1 /10