Born on the Fourth of July - R

Unflinching story of a Vietnam vet turned activist.

Rating: R for violence Studio: Universal Studios Directed By: Oliver Stone Cast: Tom Cruise Running Time: 145 minutes Release Date: 12/20/1989 Genre: Drama

Common Sense Note

Parents should know the film contains extreme and disturbing verbal and physical violence and graphic scenes depicting the Vietnam war and the protests against it. They should also know that the film includes scenes of sexual impotence and prostitution.

Families who watch this movie can explore issues surrounding what happens in war, including collateral damage, and perceptions and definitions of patriotism. Other possible explorations include how people can reject a war without betraying those who fight and how can people use their rights to peacefully express contradictory opinions.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Kelly Kessler

Oliver Stone's BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY is based on the true story of Vietnam veteran turned antiwar activist, Ron Kovic. Eighteen year-old Kovic, inspired by John F. Kennedy, and encouraged by his mother,and a marine recruiter, joins the United States Marines in 1964 with hopes of serving his country in Vietnam. The film examines his ultimate disillusionment while "in country" and the debilitating injury which ends his tour of duty. His postwar treatment at the hands of his family, an understaffed and under-funded veteran's administration, and a changing society, lead Ron into veteran-driven antiwar activism. Filled with violence, social and personal turmoil, and religious struggle, the film depicts a painful view of a complex time in American history.

BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY garnered Oliver Stone a best director Oscar and marked one of Tom Cruise's first forays into serious adult acting. This film garnered Cruise's first of three Academy Award nominations for best actor, followed by Jerry Maguire (1996) and Magnolia (1999). BORN ON THE FOURTH features fine cameo performances by Willem Dafoe and Lili Taylor. It also includes riveting footage and reenactments of the 1972 Republican and 1976 Democratic National Conventions. (The real Kovic had protested at the former and spoken at the latter.) The film also boasts an excellent soundtrack.

Families who enjoy this movie might also like Coming Home, Platoon,The Deer Hunter, and Apocalypse Now.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content The film includes discussion of impotence (due to injury), nudity, and sex with prostitutes.
Violence Graphic acts and results of physical violence are shown during the Vietnam scenes. Violence at the hands of police is shown during moments of protest, and drunken acts of violence are shown between injured Vietnam veterans. The film also includes various acts of verbal violence, both between the main character and his family and members of society at large.
Language Profanity used throughout the film to express the frustration, pain, and chaos of various moments (war, injury, social unrest, etc.)
Message
	Social Behavior The film includes various types of social intolerance and undue violence on the part of soldiers and the police, but it also revolves around the brave story of a Vietnam veteran who pulls himself up from depression and bodily injury to fight the system.
	Commercialism None, except for a recurring New York Yankees motif.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Excessive drinking and drug use, often to heal the mental and physical pains of the main character (or at least make him forget them). The film also shows the drug use usually associated with the 60s and 70s.