Review of The Film Born on The Fourth of July

While watching the movie “Born on the Fourth of July” it really gave me a whole new outlook on war in general. It really showed me what soldiers faced in Vietnam. Before watching this movie I thought soldiers could choose the occupation they wanted, and receive all of the luxury benefits. I always seem to hear the positive aspects of the war, instead of hearing the negative aspects that occur in the Armed Forces. In this movie we see the typical American soldier who wants to go to Vietnam to fight for his country. Upon his arrival, he gets more what he bargains for. He gets shot in his back and his foot. The doctor tells him that he might be paralyzed for the rest of his life and that he will not be able to have a family.

To make matters worse, his family doesn’t even pay him a visit while he is in the unsanitary hospital. Seeing this glorifying scene really struck a nerve in my heart. It made me reflect on the soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War and those who lost their lives. I couldn’t understand how someone can fight for this country and be treated so bad. I now understand why many soldiers have dilemmas still till this day.

Although, I am only eighteen-years-old I can only imagine how many soldiers was forced to do something they didn’t want to do. This movie made me change my mind on joining the Armed Forces. It showed me that many recruiters will tell you the positive things while joining the military; instead of telling you the truth. Many people should rethink on what they are getting themselves into, before deciding whether or not they should enter the military. My heart goes out to the soldiers who have fought for this country. What happened to Vietnam War veteran Ronny Kovic is something a human being should never have to face.