Realistic but flawed

Rating: 6/10 (13 January 2002)

I had seen the Deer Hunter a couple of months ago and comparing the two films was almost inevitable. Both films tackle with the same subject: the fate that awaited those who managed to return to their homes from Viet Nam; the attitude towards them by their family, friends and society in general. Although Born on the Fourth of July seems more realistic than the Deer Hunter (and certainly more cruel), at the same time it is irritatingly overemotional at times and contains boring drama cliches. Overall I had the feeling that Stone tried to force viewers to cry, pushing situations too far. Cruise is very good, but he didn't convince me totally. Some scenes though, are definitely worth a look.
6