The film is based directly on Kovic's life and autobiography. Cruise's portrayal was highly praised, and Kovic himself was involved in the film and reportedly gave Cruise his Bronze Star.

Donna is a composite character, representing young love and the life Kovic might have had, rather than a specific real person from Kovic's life who directly influenced his activism this way.

Charlie is largely considered a fictional composite character, representing the despair and disillusionment Kovic encountered among other disabled veterans in Mexico.

Based on Ron Kovic's real father, representing the working-class, patriotic family background.

Based on Ron Kovic's real mother, portraying her strong faith and initial difficulty understanding Ron's disillusionment.

Likely based on one or more of Kovic's real childhood friends who also served in Vietnam, representing the shared experience and differing paths of veterans.

Accurately reflects Kovic's own description of his strongly patriotic, all-American childhood and his motivations for enlisting in the Marines.

Kovic did enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps shortly after graduating high school in 1964.

Based directly on Kovic's accounts, including the chaotic firefight, the accidental killing of a fellow U.S. soldier (Corporal Wilson in the film), and the killing of Vietnamese civilians mistaken for enemy.

Accurately depicts the combat incident where Kovic was shot, resulting in a spinal cord injury that paralyzed him from the mid-chest down.

The film's portrayal of neglect, poor sanitation, understaffing, and malfunctioning equipment is based directly on Kovic's horrific experiences detailed in his book and reflects documented issues in VA hospitals of the era.

Accurately depicts Kovic's immense physical and psychological struggles adapting to his paralysis, dealing with PTSD, impotence, depression, and turning to alcohol.

Kovic did spend time in Mexico ("Villa Dulce") with other disillusioned and disabled veterans, seeking escape, as described in his book.

Accurately portrays Kovic's gradual disillusionment with the war and government, leading him to join Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) and become a vocal critic.

Kovic did lead a VVAW protest and spoke out during the convention. The film accurately shows the confrontation, but conflates some violence depicted with incidents that occurred at the Democratic convention.

The film accurately culminates with Kovic's real-life speech at the DNC, signifying his prominent role in the anti-war movement.

This meeting and confession depicted in the film did not happen in real life; it was added by Stone and Kovic for dramatic/emotional resolution in the film narrative.

As noted, Donna is a fictional composite character; this specific romantic arc is not based on a real individual relationship central to Kovic's story.

Effectively captures the atmosphere, values, and visual aesthetic of post-war Long Island suburbia where Kovic grew up.

Portrays the chaotic, dangerous, and morally ambiguous environment of the Vietnam War based on Kovic's experiences, utilizing realistic locations (Philippines stood in for Vietnam).

The grim, under-resourced, and often neglectful conditions depicted are considered an accurate reflection of the reality faced by many veterans in VA facilities at the time.

Accurately reflects the societal divisions, the growing anti-war movement, counter-culture elements, political tensions, and the often difficult reception veterans received.

Captures the atmosphere of student activism and anti-war protests prevalent on American campuses during this period.

Recreates the setting and atmosphere of these major political events where Kovic engaged in significant protest actions.

Represents the location where Kovic and other veterans sought refuge, conveying a sense of exile and shared disillusionment.

The film generally succeeds in recreating the specific look and feel of the different eras covered, from the late 1950s through the mid-1970s.