

“A true story of innocence lost and courage found.”
Budget
$14M
Revenue
$161M
Born on the Fourth of July in 1946, Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) grows up with a deep sense of patriotism, inspired by President Kennedy's call to "ask what you can do for your country." Driven by these ideals, he eagerly enlists to fight in the Vietnam War. However, he is confronted by the brutal realities of war, accidentally causing the death of innocent villagers and later being shot by friendly fire, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. He returns home a "hero," but soon finds himself abandoned in the squalor of a Bronx VA hospital, trapped in his own body and tormented by his memories. He slowly awakens to the realization that the country he fought for has betrayed him and countless other veterans. This profound sense of betrayal transforms him into a passionate anti-war and pro-human rights political activist. Now Ron Kovic is ready to question the very dream he once fought for, preparing for the biggest battle of his life—against his own country.
Do you want to witness one man's incredible journey from patriotism to disillusionment, from heroism to rebellion? Oliver Stone's 'Born on the Fourth of July,' featuring Tom Cruise's most powerful and transformative performance, lays bare not just the physical but the spiritual devastation of war. As Ron Kovic, a paralyzed veteran confined to a wheelchair, Cruise pours such profound soul into a man trying to rebuild his identity amidst the wreckage of his body and beliefs that you feel his pain, rage, and transformation viscerally. What remains when you discover the values your country taught you were built on lies? The film exposes the dark face of war, the tragedy of neglected veterans in care homes, and one individual's reckoning with the system, all set to John Williams's unforgettable score. The devastating scene in Mexico or his confrontations with his family are among the most poignant moments in cinema history. If you're curious about the true face of war and peace, loss and resistance, this film is an unmissable masterpiece.
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