All Ronny Kovic ever wanted to do was join the marine corps. He lived his life for the moment that he could put on a uniform and serve his country to the best of his ability, no matter what the cost.
Well, the day finally came and he got his life-long wish... he joined the Marine Corps. Ronny is a very gung-ho teen who belives in his country and his Amaerican way of life, and that it is his duty to serve his country.
Ronny is sent to Vietnam not once, but twice. It is on the second tour that on one horrible day, his troop strikes at a village killing many women and children. It is also that day that he kills a young boy from Georgia by accident, although he is told he didn't do it.
Racked with guilt, Ronny can't stop thinking about the young boy he killed. Ronny is soon shot in the foot, and then the back, becomming paralized.
Through this injury, Ronny learns that he will nver walk again and never have children.
After leaving care at a delapidated veterins hospital, Ronny find out that the true horrors that the government of the USA is inflicting upon ordinary citizens and the way that same government treats it's veterins.
nevertheless, Ronny joins the nation-wide protests after a long time living and thiking in Mexico. He realizes that he might be able to make a difference.
Along the lines of the other great Vietnam films like Platoon & Comming Home, Born on the Fourth of July is the best anti-war movie since All Quiet on the Western Front. It is a very powerful film and makes you think; makes you wonder... how could the government of the USA, who claims it belives in life and liberty and persues freedom of speech, treat protestors like that? How could they send innocent boys to die in some country 10,000 miles away?
Now, I can understand fighting WWII against hittler. Had to be done. He would have enslaved Europe; maybe even the world. Who knows how far that tyranical asshole would have gone? But seriously, did the Americans have to go fight in Asia? Did they really have to go? Think about that.
In Born on the Fourth of July, you can really see the horror Ronny is going through. How hard it must have been for him to come home from the war without the use of his legs. How difficult it was to go to the Wilson's home and tell that "Hey, I killed your only son." The pure emotion shown by Tom Cruise made that scene, as well as many other, truely exceptional.
Look at the way the government treat the protestors. So much for free speech, eh? Beating and killing protestors who are triing to save the lives of people they don't even know, ans yet the police just come in and beat them over nothing.
"Hey! This one's got a microgram of pot! lets beat him untill he can't walk anymore!"
I can't fathom this behaviour... I don't even know why they left so many die in Vietnam. It boggles the mind, really.
Oliver Stone's treatment of Born on the Fourth of July is absolutly outstanding. He won best director for good reasons. It a shame Tom Cruise didn't win or that the film itself didn't win. I guess Driving Miss. Daisy was the better film. *COUGH* bull$#!t *COUGH*
Plot: 
Well written story mixed with action. Great stuff!
Visual Effects:
Did you notice that every scene is in shades of blue, red or white, each for a different type of action? Red is for the fighting scenes, bar fights, etc. White is for dreams and blue is for somber scenes. An excelent touch.
The fighting scenes are especially good, and so are the mexican scenes.
Born on the Fourth of July won Best Cinematography for a reason. Masterful direction from Oliver Stone.
Sound:
John Williams score was exceptional as usuall.
Character Development:
Atmosphere:
Easy to get into and it'll keep you glued.
Realism:
Based on Ron Kovic's life. An exceptionally well crafted story.
My kudos to Stone and Kovic.
Warren’s Rating:
Movies it was nominated with for Best Picture:
Dead Poets Society; *Driving Miss Daisy; Field of Dreams; My Left Foot
10/10 Is the movie worth your time to watch?
31-05-04
