Guide Note

The second film in director Oliver Stone's Vietnam War film trilogy, Born on the Fourth of July received two Academy Awards and was nominated for six more.

Based on the autobiography of the same name by Vietnam veteran turned anti-war activist Ron Kovic, the film stars Tom Cruise as Kovic, who was paralyzed during his tour in Vietnam. After spending a harrowing period in the Bronx Veteran's Hospital, Kovic becomes disillusioned at his condition and inability to readjust to life in society. Feeling increasingly alienated and betrayed by his government, Kovic turns to drugs and alcohol to numb his despair before finding a sense of peace and purpose by joining the Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

Fast Facts

1. Starring: Tom Cruise, Kyra Sedgwick, Raymond J. Barry and Willem Dafoe
2. Release date: December 20, 1989
3. Running time: 145 minutes
4. Rated: R
5. Kovic appears in the WWII veteran parade at the beginning of the film

Quotes

1. "They burned the flag and they demonstrated against us; it's on the cover of the paper today. They have no respect. They have no idea what's going on over there, Mom - the men that are sacrificing their lives. People are dying every day over there, and nobody back here even seems to care."—Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise)
2. "It's my leg! I want my leg, you understand? Can't you understand that? All's I'm sayin' is that I want to be treated like a human being! I fought for my country! I am a Vietnam veteran! I fought for my country!"—Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise)