See more movie reviews

Born on the Fourth of July (R, 1989)

common sense media says

Unflinching story of Vietnam vet turned activist.

parents & educators say
See 1 review | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this mature drama 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.

Positive messages: 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.
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.
Sex: The film includes discussion of impotence (due to injury), nudity, and sex with prostitutes.
Language: Profanity used throughout the film to express the frustration, pain, and chaos of various moments (war, injury, social unrest, etc.)
Consumerism: None, except for a recurring New York Yankees motif.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: 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.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Born on the Fourth of July

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about 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.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Oliver Stone's BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY is based on the true story of Vietnam veteran turned antiwar activist, Ron Kovic (played by Tom Cruise). 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.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
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).

There are also fine cameo performances by Willem Dafoe and Lili Taylor, and 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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Oliver Stone
Cast: Caroline Kava, Stephen Baldwin, Tom Cruise
Genre: Drama
Run time: 145 minutes
Theatrical release: December 20, 1989
DVD release: April 28, 1998
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: violence
This review was written by Kelly Kessler
 
 

Review It

 

Review Born on the Fourth of July

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

Rad4u
parent of 3 year old
8
 
'Moving and often disturbing portrayal of an era in American History
This is a powerful, truthful re-enactment of what it was like to be an American growing up in the 60's, with ambivalent feelings of patriotism and the downward-spiraling sense that something just wasn't right with our country and it's leaders--and with this un-ending War hanging over the heads of every graduating senior in high school. The movie passionately displays one man's shift in ideologies, from a "love-it-or-leave it" patriot to antiwar activist. Having lived through that era, this cinematic portrayal is accurate and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it for telling the truth about a difficult time in our Nation's history.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (4)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Born on the Fourth of July?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines