Review of Born on the Fourth of July (1989) by Kate . — 19 Sep 2008

In 1960's America patriotic Ron Kovic signs up to become a Marine and defend his country in the Vietnam War. When this conflict leaves him semi-paralysed however, he struggles to come to terms with his body, his emotions and the country around him that can't seem to comprehend his sacrifice.

Based on a true story 'Born On The Fourth Of July' is an interesting take on the Vietnam War; but its director Oliver Stone handles it in such a way that it slightly undermines the sincerity of the films message.

I found The first half an hour was incredibly rose-tinted. I understand this may be done purposefully to portray the wondrous qualities of American life before Vietnam, but it all looks so happy that it ends up lacking some credibility.

When Kovic receives his injuries however, the film begins to take a horribly realistic turn. The director then maintains this harsh approach for a while but then loses it again and continues his merge of 50% dramatics and 50% realism.

Stone also took this approach with 'Platoon' which I generally think is the more successful of his works. I could handle Stone's choppy direction in that but in this picture it grated on me.

One moment it's an over-dramatic and creative piece, the next it's intent on showing the genuine hardships faced by Vietnam veterans. It can't find an equal ground. The score is also way to over-powering.

It ruins some genuinely tense and emotive moments. The overlapping of score, speech and sound effects is also unbearable to listen to, I had to alter the volume several times throughout the film. I feel guilty criticising two War veterans work and I understand that films like these have an important place in cinema but I found that this was just to dramatic for me.

I'm more of a 'Saving Private Ryan' or 'Band Of Brothers' type viewer. Having criticised the film quite badly now, I feel I ought to mention some of its redeeming features. Tom Cruise is very good as disenchanted Kovic and he's supported by an excellent cast of actors who all give credit to their characters.

The acting is the films strongest point. 'Born On The Fourth Of July' is a War film with good intentions but it ultimately falls a little short of its initial message.