Tom Cruise is Born on the Fourth of July

Born on the Fourth of July (1989), is first and foremost an anti-war movie, based on the experiences of real life veteran Ron Kovic. Directed by Oliver Stone and starring Tom Cruise in the central role, this war/drama movie uses visually stunning special effects and a varied soundtrack to recreate and compliment the dramatic war scenes, and the aftermath. Although some may be deterred at the mention of Tom Cruise, his performance is nothing to be sniffed at, and should not go by without comment. He shines in the role of Ron Kovic, embodying the suffering and grief endured by the character, to push the movie that little bit further.

Ron Kovic is shot in the Vietnam War changing his life dramatically. He has to carry on without the use of his legs, because he is paralyzed from the mid-chest down. Our story begins with Kovic during his childhood; he watches a parade for the World War II veterans with his family and plays war games with his friends. Even at this stage we can see his strong sense of friendship and serious perspective of the world, with how he plays these games. We follow Kovic into his teen years, in which he joins the marines and is sent to fight in Vietnam. There he faces many complications, such as accidentally shooting innocent villages and a marine on his own side, and the climax of him becoming paralyzed. When he arrives home his whole life changes drastically.

We see Kovic’s change from naïve and innocent child to the cynical, toughened and defiant adult, transformed by his experience in Vietnam. Before he goes to war, he’s ready and willing to die for America, seeing war as a glorious and monumental event. His beliefs are shattered when he is paralyzed and begins to feel betrayed by his country. This change in beliefs clashes with his mother’s opinions about America and her strong Christian faith, driving a wedge between the two characters.

His change in attitude towards the war gets him kicked out of home by his mother, because of his outlandish behavior. From there he goes to Mexico, where he meets other disabled veterans with similar destructive mentalities to his own newly adopted one. They all now appose the war, so can relate to one another. However, Kovic realizes that he could end up like them, drowning their sorrows in alcohol, so he leaves. The movie is resolved with Kovic expressing his anti-war views publicly at a riot, and then later speaking to the whole of America.

Mexico is portrayed as a sleazy place, because of the alcohol and prostitutes. It is seen as an escape or rather cop-out for Kovic, where he can go to forget his troubles. America at that time is portrayed as a powerful force, and as a community which works together to achieve goals. This portrayal changes however, as Kovic’s attitudes towards the war changes, painting America as a country governed by arrogant people who lie to their own marines. This film is relevant to a wide audience, because of the involvement of many countries in the Vietnam War and also the strong opposition towards it.

The physical and mental anguish that Kovic suffers as a result of being traumatized by war is the central theme in the movie. The theme is portrayed through Kovic’s change in opinion on war and through his deterioration, by the flashbacks to the crying baby and sounds of guns and grenades when he hears fire works. He also has to deal with shooting a marine who was on his side, as well as his paralysis. These themes are portrayed effectively, because of the use of sound effects, such as the baby crying.

Each film code contributes to the overall effect of the movie, making it an outstanding commentary on the harsh realities of war, and the after effects it has on those involved. Born on the Fourth of July is aimed at a mature audience, and those who wish to understand the emotional strains of war, and how it affects the soldiers and other people involved, and the families back home.