MOVIES TO WATCH ON THE 4TH OF JULY
By: Joey Magidson
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What Oscars films should you watch on the 4th of July?
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With the recent release of Michael Mann’s Public Enemies providing a distinctly American viewing experience for the 4th of July, I got to
thinking what other movies might be appropriate for July 4th viewing. The following are, in no particular order (with note of any Oscar
love the film received), a dozen movies that are fitting for Independence Day viewing:
Born on the Fourth of July
A fairly obvious choice, this film by Oliver Stone is an excellent portrait of what it means to be an American in a time when the country is
divided. Tom Cruise plays a crippled Vietnam vet who comes home to find that the country is not waiting with open arms. (Nominated
for 8 Oscars and won 2)
Glory
The Civil War was a time that split America, and this tale of the United States’ first all black volunteer company shows us that there
were people willing to fight and honor a country that would not at that time honor them. The feeling of patriotism is palpable.
(Nominated for 5 Oscars and won 3)
Gangs of New York
Martin Scorsese’s historical epic is one of many films on this list to deal with the immigrant experience. Throw in the Civil War that is a
subplot of the film and this is a perfect way to revisit the early days of the country. (Nominated for 10 Oscars)
Rocky
Any movie that has its climax take place on July 4th in the city of Brotherly Love is assured a place on this list. The fact that the movie
came out in 1976, during the Bicentennial only makes this an easier choice, with its status as a winner of Best Picture just a bit more
icing on the proverbial cake for Sylvester Stallone and company. (Nominated for 10 Oscars and won 3)
The Patriot
Mel Gibson singlehandedly frees the country during the American Revolution in this historically laughable but nonetheless patriotic
flick. There’s enough literal flag waving to make it almost propaganda, but by and large it’s just a fun action movie about the war for
this country’s independence from England. (Nominated for 3 Oscars)
Far and Away
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman are part of the Irish wave of immigration to America in this Ron Howard film. Going back to your roots
is a common theme on the 4th of July, and this film is a good way for those of Irish heritage to do so. (No Oscar Nominations)
Forrest Gump
A movie that looks at recent American history through rose colored glasses, this incredibly popular movie won Best Picture and is a
dash of Oscar glory to go along with its optimism and patriotism which fit well on Independence Day. (Nominated for 13 Oscars and
won 6)
In America
A film about the modern immigrant experience, this movie shows that you don’t have to go back to the 1700’s or 1800’s to see what
moving to this land is like. It’s just as apt a film for this purpose as any other. (Nominated for 3 Oscars)
Coming to America
Eddie Murphy managed to both go for the funny bone and also show a lot about what changing countries can be like for someone so
used to one way of doing things in this classic comedy. It may not be subtle, but if nothing else, it is relatively hilarious. (Nominated for
2 Oscars)
An American Tail
Where would we be without some animation on our list? Fievel’s tale of moving to America is a perfect candidate for inclusion on this
list. It hits many of the same points as other films on this list, but in a more child friendly and entertaining way. (Nominated for 1 Oscar)
The Immigrant
Charlie Chaplin was one of the first to chronicle the immigrant experience in fictional film, and this short film of his is one of his best
and funniest. It’s just one of many trails that the legend blazed for his peers to follow. (No Oscar Nominations, since it was 10 years
before the first ceremony)
Independence Day
No list like this can be complete without this ridiculous film. It’s got the right name for inclusion, so despite its B movie story, it’s
impossible to keep it from joining this list right at the end. Turn off your brain and enjoy. (Nominated for 2 Oscars and won 1)
Enjoy!
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