Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Directed by Oliver Stone. Starring Tom Cruise, Kyra Sedgwick, Willem Dafoe, Frank Whaley, Jerry Levine, Raymond J. Barry, Caroline Kava, Cordelia Gonzalez, Ed Lauter, Tom Sizemore, Josh Evans, John Getz. (R)

Cogent and unflinching portrait of Ron Kovic (Cruise), an enthusiastic patriot who joins the Marines to serve his country, and comes home paralyzed. He suffers through overburdened and ill-equipped VA hospital care and the relentless anti-war movement, and the film shows the ways that Kovic’s emotions and viewpoints evolve through experiences and confrontations, until he emerges as an outspoken activist. That Kovic never becomes less of a patriot that loves his country while doing so is the key to the film’s success; though director Stone shouts the message a little too often, it is neither anti-American nor anti-war propaganda—it is instead virulently opposed to the specific lies and betrayal of the Vietnam War. Brought to life with fiery passion, driven by the transformative brilliance of Cruise’s performance, who uses his clean-cut, boyish innocence in early scenes to reflect the pride and optimism that sent the country down that road, before disappearing into the horror, confusion and doubt. Oscar winner for Best Director and Editing; John Williams’ evocative music is worthy of praise as well. Numerous familiar faces fill out small roles, including Tom Berenger, Michael Wincott, Lili Taylor, John C. McGinley, and three of the Baldwin brothers; Stone and Kovic themselves both also appear.

88/100