Tom Cruise Born On The 4th Of July
Tom Cruise Born on the 4th of July is a 1989 American biographical war drama film directed by Oliver Stone. The film is based on the eponymous 1976 autobiography by Ron Kovic, an American anti-war activist, paralyzed Vietnam War veteran, and author.
Plot
The film tells the story of Ron Kovic (played by Tom Cruise), a patriotic Long Island teenager who enlists in the Marines and is sent to fight in Vietnam. He eventually becomes paralyzed from the mid-chest down and returns to be an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after feeling betrayed by the country he fought for.
Cast
Tom Cruise is the lead actor and plays Ron Kovic. The film also stars Willem Dafoe, Kyra Sedgwick, Raymond J. Barry, Caroline Kava, and Josh Evans.
Production
Tom Cruise Born on the 4th of July was budgeted at an estimated $17.8 million and was produced by A. Kitman Ho and Oliver Stone. The film was shot on location in the United States and the Philippines.
Reception
The film was well received by critics and audiences alike. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning two for Best Director (Oliver Stone) and Best Film Editing. The film also won four Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director.
Legacy
The film is considered one of the best war films ever made, and it helped to raise awareness about the struggles that disabled veterans faced after their service. Tom Cruise's performance in the film is widely regarded as one of his best, and it helped to establish him as a serious actor.
Conclusion
Tom Cruise Born on the 4th of July is an important film that tells the story of one man's journey from a patriotic teenager to a disillusioned anti-war activist. The film is a powerful indictment of the Vietnam War and the treatment of veterans, and it remains relevant today as the country continues to struggle with the legacy of that conflict. If you haven't seen it yet, it's definitely worth a watch.