Review of Born on the Fourth of July (1989) by Uditha D — 31 Dec 2011
My favorite Tom Cruise performance was in Born on the Fourth of July. In it, he depicted his character Ron Kovic, based on a real-life Vietnam War veteran, with convincing and unambiguous comprehension.
His was indeed a tour-de-force performance, and indeed worthy of an Oscar, let alone a mere nomination. He portrayed Kovic in a two-dimensional light: in the beginning as a die-hard Republican patriot who champions the Vietnam War, ready to flout down anyone opposing his views; and later, a disillusioned veteran who, despite being such a patriot, is neglected and left to suffer by his own government.
Kovic's odyssey in this beautiful Oliver Stone picture was at times gruesome and even profane (especially in those Mexico City scenes), but I couldn't disagree with its main point - that of war, and of unnecessarily displays of patriotism.
In the end, it was with how this point was touched that made this such a powerful and even hair-raising film. I was deeply moved by it, especially by Cruise's performance.
This review of Born on the Fourth of July (1989) was written by Uditha D on 31 Dec 2011.
Born on the Fourth of July has generally received positive reviews.
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