the first realistic American war movie I've seen in a long time.

Rating: 9/10 (6 August 2003)

Warning: potential spoilers ahead.
Finally. Finally. Finally an American war movie that doesn't glorify America trying to rule the earth. Finally.
Vietnam was a mistake. This film nails it. (Finally.)
Tom Cruise plays Ron Kovic, a crippled Vietnam veteran. Yes, the thought is shocking. But I was surprised. He was quite good, though limited by his squeaky, whiny, boyish voice. He by all means deserved the oscar nomination he received, but of course lost the award to Daniel Day-Lewis (as Cristy Brown in My Left Foot; in my opinion, one of the most beautiful performances in cinematic history).
Willem Dafoe was brilliant, but unfortunately didn't get enough screen time.
It also helps that I agree with Ron Kovic's views. But I also found the direction quite good. All the spinning camera angles...wavering...confused...illustrate the horrors and insanities of war beautifully.
I do not find this film insulting to the American men who died in Vietnam, but of course I'm not a war-crazed redneck. Anyway, the men who fought were young, filled with romanticized views and dreams about fame and glory associated with going to war. Young men deceived by the government, told that they were fighting for a good cause, to stop Communism, to fight for their country.
Overall, a good film, with a good message, and good out-look on war. Outstanding for an American film.