Dogfight Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A marine takes a girl to a party as a cruel joke, but then like, feelings happen, man, and suddenly war is bad…or something.

🍿 Dogfight: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The ‘Dogfight’ Game

In 1963 San Francisco, a group of young Marines, including Eddie Birdlace, prepare to ship out to Vietnam. On their last night of leave, they participate in a cruel game called a ‘dogfight,’ where each Marine tries to find and bring the ‘ugliest’ date to a party, with a cash prize awarded to the ‘winner.’ This sets the stage for Eddie’s encounter with Rose.

Eddie Meets Rose

Eddie encounters Rose, a shy, pacifistic young woman working in a coffee shop. Desperate to find a date for the dogfight, he uses false pretenses to convince her to accompany him to the party. Rose, initially flattered by Eddie’s attention, agrees to go, unaware of the true nature of the event. This pivotal meeting marks the beginning of a complex and transformative relationship.

The Truth Revealed

At the dogfight party, Rose discovers the cruel reality of the game when she overhears conversations and witnesses the demeaning treatment of the women. Heartbroken and humiliated, she confronts Eddie, expressing her anger and disappointment. This moment is a turning point for both characters, forcing Eddie to confront the consequences of his actions and Rose to face the harshness of the world.

Seeking Redemption

Guilt-ridden and remorseful, Eddie seeks to make amends for his behavior. He finds Rose and apologizes, offering to take her on a proper date. This sets them on a journey of genuine connection, where they discover shared interests and develop a deeper understanding of each other. The night becomes an opportunity for Eddie to show his true character and for Rose to open herself to unexpected possibilities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eddie Birdlace (River Phoenix): A young Marine who evolves from participating in a cruel game to genuinely caring for the woman he initially intended to humiliate.
• Rose (Lili Taylor): A kind-hearted and unassuming woman who finds herself the target of a cruel bet but ultimately teaches Birdlace about compassion and connection.
• Berzin (Richard Panebianco): One of Birdlace’s Marine buddies, who participates in the ‘dogfight’ and represents the prevailing macho culture.
• Oakie (Anthony Clark): Another of Birdlace’s Marine buddies, who is part of the group dynamic and their crude behavior before being sent to Vietnam.
• Benjamin (Mitchell Whitfield): A member of Birdlace’s group of friends, embodying the youthful bravado and insensitivity of the Marines heading off to war.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rose: “I don’t think it’s fair to prejudge people on how they look or how they’re dressed.” – Rose explains her values after learning about the ‘dogfight’, emphasizing her belief in judging people based on character, not appearance.
• Rose: “Yes, goddammit. I’m going to have the fucking poached salmon, with the son-of-a-bitching rice, and a dirty bastard salad with a shitload of Roquefort dressing.” – Rose asserts herself in a fancy restaurant, rebelling against societal expectations and embracing her own voice.
• Eddie Birdlace: “I’ll just take a fucking beer.” – Eddie’s response to the waiter in the same scene as above, contrasting with Rose’s outburst and highlighting his initial crudeness.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12 million
• Domestic Gross: $394,631
• Worldwide Gross: $394,631

💥 Dogfight Reviews

Personal Review

This movie hit me hard. I wasn’t expecting such a raw and emotional story. The scene where Rose confronts Eddie about the dogfight game? Gut-wrenching. The way River Phoenix portrays Eddie’s regret feels so real. It’s not just a love story; it’s about redemption and finding humanity in unexpected places. Plus, the ending, with that simple hug, speaks volumes. I was left thinking about it for days.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of River Phoenix and Lili Taylor”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate films exploring themes of redemption and social commentary”
  • “Audiences seeking a poignant love story set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War era”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of war violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Depiction of a demeaning game (dogfight)”

Professional Reviews

• IndieFilmCritic: “Dogfight is an emotional powerhouse. The film’s strength lies in its honest portrayal of flawed individuals finding connection amidst cruelty. Phoenix and Taylor deliver unforgettable performances, making this a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas.
• ClassicCinemaReview: “While the premise seems offensive, ‘Dogfight’ evolves into a poignant love story set against the backdrop of a changing America. The soundtrack perfectly captures the era, and the film leaves a lasting impression.

Audience Reactions

River Phoenix’s performance is amazing.: Viewers loved how genuine River Phoenix performed in the movie.

Lili Taylor’s Rose is relatable and heart-wrenching.: Taylor delivered a memorable character.

Overall Consensus: A touching and understated drama with powerful performances, ‘Dogfight’ explores themes of love, redemption, and the impact of war, making it a hidden gem worth discovering.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “River Phoenix’s character running down the street at the end after leaving Rose was the last scene shot and was not intended. It was added last minute when everyone noticed the skyline. River was told to run and didn’t know why.”
• “Lili Taylor gained weight and wore padding for the role of Rose to make her appear less attractive.”
• “Brendan Fraser makes an early, uncredited cameo appearance in the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Dogfight?

Dogfight is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as part of a subscription or individual rental/purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dogfight, you might like these similar films:

• The Last Detail (1973): Explores themes of youthful disillusionment and the impact of military service through a character study.
• Coming Home (1978): Deals with the impact of the Vietnam War on individuals and relationships, examining the challenges of returning veterans.
• Last Flag Flying (2017): A modern film about veterans grappling with the past, sharing a similar tone of reflection and regret.

🛒 Dogfight Related Products

• Dogfight [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray release with special features. Includes interviews with the cast and director Nancy Savoca and behind-the-scenes footage, making it a must-have for collectors.
• The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan [Vinyl]: Original vinyl pressing of Bob Dylan’s classic album, including ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.’ Features liner notes and iconic album art.
• Dogfight movie poster: Capture the memories of Dogfight in a high-quality print to commemorate one of River Phoenix’s most iconic roles.

🎧 Soundtrack

Dogfight features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” – performed by Bob Dylan
• “The Oogum Boogum Song” – performed by Brenton Wood
• “T.B. Sheets” – performed by Van Morrison
• “What Have They Done to the Rain?” – performed by Joan Baez

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

WWII Air Force Expert Rates 8 Dogfights In Movies | How Real Is It? | Insider

Ever wondered how accurate those WWII dogfights in movies actually are? This Air Force expert breaks it down and rates them. Some scenes are surprisingly realistic!

Top 10 Aerial Dogfights in Movies

Love a good aerial battle? This video counts down the top 10 dogfights in movie history! I was surprised by some of the picks – definitely worth checking out if you’re into action.

✨ Rate