Customer Reviews

Dogfight

5 star:		(62)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The story itself is pretty simple, but the execution of the story is what makes Dogfight a very lovely film. I think the actors did a great job conveying the awkwardness of what falling in love is all about. While Lili Taylor is not ugly at all, I like the idea of an "ugly girl" getting the guy without changing herself. She stayed true to herself until the very end. Speaking of which: The ending, in my opinion, is one of the most perfect endings I've seen for a movie - hands down. I don't really have much else to add except to say that Dogfight is a gripping love story and you will think about it long after the film is over. Dogfight is really well done and I hope that more people discover/experience it.

I am on a crusade to make sure as many people as possible see this film. It is unusual, funny, brilliantly acted and just beautiful. You dont get acting like this anymore and after watching this movie I am sure you'll agree that all other "teen" type movies fall so far short and seem almost contrived.

I just can get enough of this movie. River Phoenix is sadly no longer with us but you just want more of him as the Character Birdlace and more of Lili Taylor as Rose. BUY IT AND WATCH IT!

It's amazing how the studios can market dross to the public yet can't sell an endearing picture like "Dogfight". If I recall correctly, this picture didn't even run theatrically in Philly. This film is in essence a love story and the two principals, River Phoenix and Lili Taylor are most appealing and believable. There are other themes that run throughout this film. It serves as an expose of machismo in it's most phony and cruel forms. There is also a pacifistic message that runs through it with the nascent conflict in Vietnam in the background. Director Nancy Savoca weaves these themes passionately into the narrative but doesn't bludgeon the point. See this film for the heartbreaking final scene for nothing else. This film serves as a good epitaph for the tragically short-lived Phoenix. Look close for Brendan Fraser as a sailor.

This movie is very simple, and unique. It's the kind of love story which you really believe in while you're watching because it doesn't feel phony. This can be credited to the acting, the situation, and the plot as well. This isn't about a man falling madly in love with a beautiful woman and then spending his life missing her. That's all been done, and that's what makes this film a breath of fresh air. River Phoenix shows why he is missed by so many, and really allows you to connect with his character. I recomend this to anyone who wants to see love put to true art, and be touched at the same time.

This film is one of my favorites. I have enjoyed a lot of River's roles but none like the lovesick marine he plays in Dogfight. He and Lili Taylor have excellent chemistry that makes this the perfect date film.

The film starts with Eddie Birdlace AKA Birdlegs ( Phoenix ) reminiscing about the night before he left for the Vietnam war. We learn about his three marine friends who help him form the Four B's. The last night before they leave they embark on a traditional girl hunt called " Dogfight ". The object is to find the ugliest woman you can find and bring her to the marine's dance so she can be judged on. If your date is the ugliest, you win money. Sounds cruel? Well it is. Anyway, Eddie finds quiet, innocent slightly plump and unique-looking Rose ( Lili Taylor ) at her mother's diner. He's attracted to her singing more than her figure. He ropes her into accepting his invitation to the dogfight. Seeing how Rose doesn't have many dates she jumps at the chance to be with the handsome marine. At the dance Rose learns of the horrible reason Eddie invited her. Eddie makes it his mission of the night to apologize. By this time he really likes her. She allows him to take her for a night on the town in which the two fall hopelessly in love. They end the night very romantically and Eddie leaves to hook up with the other B's so they can leave for the war.

This movie is one of the most touching I have ever seen. It drug out many emotions. I was angry at how cruel Eddie could be, but at the same time I felt sorry for him. I realized he didn't know any better. The turning point was how Rose was able to show him that his faults may not have been visible as hers, but were actually worse. The acting was wonderful. Lili and River did a great job and they fit the parts beautifully. Taylor is always a breath of fresh air and is one of the most underrated film stars. This is another movie that saddens River fans because unfortunately he is no longer with us. Dogfight was River's best film in my opinion. It's a love story that tugs at your heart and opens your eyes. It's a film for everyone to enjoy. And for the record, Lili Taylor is prettier than most. The sad thing about this film is that " dogfights " are real. But this movie allows the culprits to see how their victims feel. Lili Taylor is a true winner in this one. Enjoy.

First i'd like to say - Nancy Savoca -Where are U !!......I see the world thru your eyes !! I loved your film True Love and - now just like a few comments I've been reading ..I too, stubbled on to this gem of a film while channel surfing one day ..an I highly reccommend it . It is a brilliant and unique love story -and wonderfully acted by Rivers and Taylor..I also had great time watching the supporting cast especially the - 'dogfight women'-
The actress who play the snag-a-tooth , broke my heart ...
.I keep thanking God for putting the idea for this film into someone's head and somehow it got made ..It really won't matter if this film made it at the box office - word of mouth and time will prove the genius of this film - people aren't stupid and they know quality when its there. This film will find - if it has'nt already, a huge dvd - home theater audience.
I still have to scratch my head and wonder why this film is so hard to find - i had to order it -
More film like this should be features on a wider release This is why I rarely go to the movies anymore - I no longer wish to pay 11.00+ dollars to see rappers and foul mouth comedians act out lame scripts , listen to deafening sound effects blasting and separting my eardrums, or looking at creepy CGI effects. When a movie comes out and its suppose to be a big blockbustr - I usually go the other way .
My friends and I would rather take a shower, pick up some fried chicken. ice tea. and fresh fruit , grab a floor cushion and watch Dogfight and True Love back to back , over and over ...
Plz Buy this film - hardly anyone rents it...

WOW! I can't believe I've just seen this film for the first time. Where in the world was I when it was originally released in 1991? Under a rock? This is one of the most romantic movies I've ever seen. The description may make this movie sound like a "chick flick," but it's really anything but that. Anyone who has ever felt the bittersweet rush of a love cut short due to bad timing can certainly relate to this movie.

I won't recount the plot, as many others have done that so well. I'll just say that I completely agree with the reviewer who describes this film as taking one's breath away. The almost constant poignancy of this film does just that. When Eddie (River Phoenix) and Rose (Lili Taylor) kiss for the first time, it's as if I am the one experiencing "butterflies." This is because DOGFIGHT is just so REAL, thanks to the perfect acting of Phoenix and Taylor and the director's thoughtful decisions regarding character and decade authenticity. River Phoenix hasn't been this beautiful since his Chris Chambers character in STAND BE ME. This movie is a testament to the fact that Phoenix no doubt would have continued his acting genius had his life not been cut short.

DOGFIGHT can't be categorized as a chick flick because it transcends the genre. This isn't your typical Julia Roberts or Meg Ryan love story which works only on one simplistic level. The plot isn't so simple as YOU'VE GOT MAIL, for instance. Instead, this story is meant to represent one glorious night in the lives of strangers turned friends turned lovers. While the night they share is probably meant to represent less than 10 hours, the movie is filmed in such a way that the viewer feels like he/she has shared that ENTIRE night with these two people. Thus, the viewer understands how one night can be so monumental. This feeling -- a feeling that the most important hours of one's life are crammed into one or two life-altering experiences -- is the same feeling I get when I watch SAY ANYTHING or BEFORE SUNRISE. Seriously, if you want to remember what it's like to experience love for the first time, go out and rent this movie. I plan to buy this one so I can watch it time after time.

I saw Dogfight some years ago and now own it. I fell in love with this movie instantly. Why this film had a limited release is questionable. Movies like Titanic make over a billion dollars at the box office with terrible dialog and character development, when a wonderful little film like Dogfight makes fewer than 500,000 dollars. To a true film lover this is a crime. Unfortunately the public rather see films like Titanic, instead of a good quality film like Dogfight. Dogfight proved that you do not need a big budget to make a good film. Lili Taylor and River Phoenix do an excellent job in this film. I could not even pick a favorite scene, because the move is loaded with them. I find that a lot of video rental stores do not even offer it, but they sure got enough copies of Titanic to please, so I suggest buying it. Dogfight is well worth the money.

Having heard little of the film I bought the DVD solely based on the strength of Lili Taylor and River Phoenix as cast members. One viewing had me astounded that this film isn't known far and wide as one of Phoenix's best performances.

River Phoenix plays Eddie Birdlace, a marine on the eve of being shipped out to Vietnam. Eddie hardly fits the idea of romantic hero with his callous personality and casual manipulations of Lili Taylor's character Rose. However, her plain appearance masks a quiet strength and sense of self which chips away at his arrogance as the film progresses.

This is a beautifully written and directed romance. Compelling, without suffering from the corniness typical of films in this genre.

The DVD features are skimpy but nevertheless, the film is a must see.

I saw this movie for the first time about a year ago and i just fell in love with it. It is a love story set in the Veitnam war era that has, as with all great love stories, love, unknown futures and an uncertain outcome. If you want a change from all of those stupid "new age teen romances" movies then I would definatly recommend this movie. It really does diserve the 5 star rating!