Born on the Fourth of July

The summer of ’69 bleeds into a stifling Massapequa Fourth of July. Fireworks explode, mirroring the youthful exuberance of Ron Kovic, a high school wrestling champ fueled by patriotic fervor. He gathers with his friends, including the quiet, thoughtful Tommy Finnelli and the spirited Donna, under a sky ablaze with stars and promises. Mr. and Mrs. Kovic beam with pride, visions of a bright future dancing in their eyes as Ron and his friends listen to Sergeant Hayes speak of valor. But beneath the celebratory surface, a darker current stirs, a shadow lurking in the corners of their small town, a premonition of a distant war that will irrevocably alter their lives, turning youthful dreams into a brutal, unforgettable awakening.

Movie Overview

Movie Cast

Storyline

Born on the Fourth of July begins with an idealistic Ron Kovic, a young man fueled by patriotic fervor, eagerly enlisting in the Marines, spurred by Sergeant Hayes’s impassioned calls to duty and a desire to prove himself. His all-American upbringing in Massapequa, New York, shapes his unwavering belief in his country’s cause as he envisions himself a hero, ready to defend freedom in the distant jungles of Vietnam. However, the brutal realities of war quickly shatter his youthful naiveté, culminating in a devastating battlefield incident where Ron mistakenly orders fire that kills fellow soldiers, including his friend Tommy Finnelli. Paralyzed from the chest down, Ron returns home a changed man, grappling with physical pain and the gnawing guilt of his actions. As he confronts the indifference and hostility towards returning veterans, Ron finds himself increasingly disillusioned. His relationship with Donna, his high school sweetheart, crumbles under the weight of his trauma, mirroring the disintegration of his idealized vision of America. Ron’s transformation intensifies as he connects with other veterans, including Charlie, a fellow paralyzed soldier, during a tumultuous stay in a Mexican veteran’s rehabilitation center. Stripped of his illusions, Ron becomes a vocal anti-war activist, challenging the very government he once swore to protect, culminating in a powerful act of defiance at the 1972 Republican National Convention, solidifying his commitment to peace and reconciliation, leaving the audience to reflect on the true cost of war and the complex journey of a man seeking redemption.

Details

“Born on the Fourth of July” chronicles the life-altering journey of Ron Kovic, portrayed by Tom Cruise, from a patriotic American youth to a disillusioned anti-war activist. Set against the backdrop of a nation embroiled in the Vietnam War, the film begins in Massapequa, New York, where Ron, fueled by fervent nationalism, eagerly enlists in the Marines. His experiences in the brutal war, however, shatter his idealistic worldview as he witnesses horrific violence and senseless loss. A devastating spinal cord injury leaves Ron paralyzed from the chest down, forcing him to confront the stark realities of his sacrifice and the government’s betrayal of its soldiers. Returning home to a country divided, Ron struggles to reconcile his shattered body and spirit with the unwavering patriotism he once held dear. His transformation is further influenced by his relationship with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kovic, who initially support the war, and his encounters with fellow veterans, including Charlie, a fellow disillusioned soldier he meets during a transformative journey. Through painful introspection and growing awareness, Ron finds his voice as a powerful advocate for peace and human rights, challenging the very system he once believed in, culminating in his outspoken activism against the war and his fight for the rights of veterans.

FAQs

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What is the movie “Born on the Fourth of July” about?

The film tells the story of Ron Kovic, a Vietnam war veteran who becomes an anti-war activist after being paralyzed in the war and feeling betrayed by his country.

Who directed “Born on the Fourth of July”?

Oliver Stone directed the film.

Who stars in “Born on the Fourth of July”?

Tom Cruise plays the lead role of Ron Kovic.

What genres does this movie belong to?

The movie falls into the Drama and War genres.

When was “Born on the Fourth of July” released?

The movie was released on December 20, 1989.

What is the runtime of “Born on the Fourth of July”?

The film has a runtime of 145 minutes.

What is the tagline for “Born on the Fourth of July”?

The tagline is “A story of innocence lost and courage found.”

What was the budget for “Born on the Fourth of July”?

The film had a budget of $14,000,000.

What was the revenue generated by “Born on the Fourth of July”?

The movie grossed $161,001,698 in revenue.

Where does the story take place?

The story takes place primarily in the United States and Vietnam during and after the Vietnam War.

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