Dogfight (Widescreen): Amazon.ca: River Phoenix, Lili Taylor, Richard Panebianco, Anthony Clark, Mitchell Whitfield, Holly Near, Elizabeth Daily, Sue Morales, Christina Mastin, Christopher Shaw, John Lacy, Chris San Nicholas, Bobby Bukowski, Nancy Savoca, Cathleen Summers, Craigry Price Shell, Llewellyn Wells, Peter Newman, Richard Guay, Bob Comfort: DVD

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Director Nancy Savoca tackles tough material in the battle of the sexes, late-teen division, and makes it bitterly moving. River Phoenix plays one of a group of youngish marines on the verge of shipping out to Southeast Asia in 1963 San Francisco. On their last night in port, they decide to hold a "dogfight": a contest to see who can get the ugliest girl to go out with him. Phoenix winds up with a pudgy waitress (Lili Taylor), who has dreams of being like her hero, Joan Baez. As he draws her out, he finds himself intrigued by the self-contained world she has created for herself and by the time he gets her to the dance he is regretting his decision--but is too macho to pull out. Barely released, the film features touching performances by both the late Phoenix and the always fascinating Taylor, who gives this character great dignity. --Marshall Fine

Video Details

Four young Marines compete to see who can find the homliest date.

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Customer Reviews

35 Reviews

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
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Average Customer Review

4.9 out of 5 stars (35 customer reviews)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Takes Your Breath Away, Dec 26 2003

By

nina "Movie Maiden" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dogfight (Widescreen) (DVD)

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.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking!!, Dec 6 2001

By

"maeveobrien" (Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dogfight (VHS Tape)

"Dogfight" is one of the most moving, and quietly stunning pictures of the last 20 years. It is the modern-day Romeo and Juliet!
River Phoenix is, as per usual, simply amazing in this movie: he was such an amazing actor. Lili Taylor can stand her ground with River, and plays Rose with charisma and power.
"Dogfight" is one of those movies you find by suprise, and watch it because there's nothing else on. But once you watch the first five minutes, I can guarantee you will love this story to the end - and want to watch it again and again. Created on a tiny budged, "Dogfight" is a movie that shows no matter how many Hollywood blockbusters are thrown at us, there is no comparison between them and the real thing.
And, believe me - "Dogfight" is not just awe-inspiring, but it puts every movie over the �2million mark to shame!

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5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Films Ever!!!, April 6 2004

By

Samantha (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dogfight (VHS Tape)

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!

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars great movie
Lily Taylor is great in this movie. Captures San Francisco of another era.

Published on Nov 29 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite All Time Movie
Definitely recommend this one. Touching and heartfelt. Just beautiful. River Phoenix would definitely have been one of the top actors of his generation today. Read more

Published on Sep 9 2003 by Isobel