BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY from UNIVERSAL pictures (1989). This is the second film in director Oliver Stone's Vietnam trilogy. First was "Platoon" (1986). Third was "Heaven & Earth" (1993).
"July" was based on the autobiography written by Ron Kovic (1976). He also co-wrote the screenplay with Oliver Stone.
The production budget climbed to $17 million and grossed $162 million at the worldwide box office. It went onto become the 9th highest grossing film around the planet (1989).
During the 1980's - Tom Cruise was the biggest movie star in the world. It was reported that he was discouraged by many not to take the lead role of Ron Kovic. They claimed that it would spell disaster for his career. Cruise wanted to work under the direction of Oliver Stone.
The story follows Ron Kovic who dreamed of serving in the military to represent the U.S. He went into the Vietnam War and was severely injured. He was also paralyzed from the waist down. Kovic came back from the War only to change his views and become an anti-War activist.
The film covered 20 years in the life of Kovic. Tom Cruise received rave reviews from critics and fans. He also nabbed his first Oscar nomination as Best Actor. It is considered his best performance and I agree. Tom embodied Ron Kovic.
"July" received 8 Oscar nominations including Best Picture. Oliver Stone won Best Director. David Brenner and Joe Hutshing won for Best Film Editing.
Throughout the 1980's. America was still dealing with the Vietnam War from the 1970's. Movie studios and television made a lot of stories about that War.
Movie poster from 1989. Universal Pictures.
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