Mrs. Kovic: Don't say penis in this house!
   Ron Kovic: Penis! Penis! Big fucking erect penis, mom!  Penis!  Penis!

…

Ron Kovic:  You don’t get it.  You don’t get it!  We had a town once Charlie.  We had a mother and father, things that made sense.  Do you remember things that made sense; things you could count on, before we all got so lost?   What are we gonna do Charlie?  What am I gonna do man? 

…

Ron Kovic: People say if you don't love America,

then get the hell out. Well, I love America.

 

            I do not think there is one quote that could clearly summarize this film, but I believe these three clearly do.  Some people say that when Kovic yelled “Penis!” it was hilarious and ruined a dramatic scene.  I, on the other hand, believe it was the most heartbreaking quote in the movie.  Raised a Catholic, Kovic was taught that he should not have sex until he was married.  He probably could have had sex with his high school sweetheart Donna, but instead went to Vietnam, took one bullet in his spine, and forfeited his opportunity to use his penis the way it was meant for: to make love.  He forfeited it and everything for stupid government lies.  When he and his other paralyzed friend lie in the sand in Mexico, they realized what they had lost.  And when Kovic goes to the Republican convention and speaks his mind, he warns future generations to look at him and realize that one goddamn bullet has the potential to crush a life.

 

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