Born on the Fourth of July
Seen it?1989 | 145 min | Drama, War
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It won 2 Oscars, it earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 12 times its budget. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Casualties of War or The Deer Hunter, start here.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 25 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
Paralyzed in the Vietnam war, Ron Kovic becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after feeling betrayed by the country he fought for.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 Oscars: Academy Awards: Best Director, Academy Awards: Best Film Editing. Won 4 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Golden Globe Awards: Best Director, Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, Golden Globe Awards: Best Screenplay. Won 1 DGA Award: Directors Guild of America Awards: Outstanding Directing – Feature Film. Also nominated for 6 more Oscars, 1 more Golden Globe and 2 BAFTAs. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$162 million worldwide on a $14 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 400K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Casualties of War Saturday SpecialAnother true-story war drama, and a Saturday Special.
The Deer Hunter
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed war drama.
Hamburger Hill Saturday SpecialAnother war drama.
Missing in Action 2: The Beginning
Weeknight WatchAnother war drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
A Prayer Before Dawn
Sunday Safe BetAnother true-story drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Oliver Stone
- Tom CruiseRon Kovic
- Raymond J. BarryMr. Kovic
- Caroline KavaMrs. Kovic
- Kyra SedgwickDonna
- Willem DafoeCharlie
- Jerry LevineSteve Boyer
- Stephen BaldwinBilly Vorsovich
- Josh EvansTommy Kovic
- Rob CamillettiTommy Finnelli
- Vivica A. FoxHooker