Born on the Fourth of July
By Kelly Kessler,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Unflinching, violent story of Vietnam vet turned activist.

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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Born on the Fourth of July
Community Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Oliver "Over the Top" Stone with a strong film and stronger message
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Way too loud, but with a strong performance from Cruise
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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, 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 that 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 anti-war 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?
This gritty drama garnered Oliver Stone a Best Director Oscar and marked one of Tom Cruise's first forays into serious adult acting, with impressive results. There also are 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 protested at the former and spoke at the latter.) The film also boasts an excellent soundtrack.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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 people can use their rights to peacefully express contradictory opinions.
Why do you think this movie showed the blood, death, and gory wounds so often not shown in other war-themed movies?
The 1960s are so often portrayed in media as a kind of "golden age" of "Summer of Love" hippiedom, timeless rock-'n'-roll music, and "groovy" fashion. How does this movie call into question such romanticizing of that decade?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 20, 1989
- On DVD or streaming: April 28, 1998
- Cast: Caroline Kava, Stephen Baldwin, Tom Cruise
- Director: Oliver Stone
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, History
- Run time: 145 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence
- Last updated: March 29, 2023
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