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Billy Pilgrim (Michael Sacks) has a problem with time: he keeps jumping about in his own life, principally between three key scenes. The "present" is a kind of glowing suburban bliss involving a dutiful wife, large house, and presidency of the local Lions; the "past" is being a prisoner of World War II and experiencing the firebombing of Dresden from the wrong side; the "future" takes place in a glass dome on the planet Tralfamadore, to which Billy has been mysteriously spirited along with the woman of his fantasies (Montana Wildhack, played by Valerie Perrine). It isn't meant to make too much sense, since the point is to represent a man (and a century) that has witnessed things too unbearable for a wholly sane person to make sense of. In fact author Kurt Vonnegut's anguished cry on the insanity of war is one of those completely unfilmable books, so director George Roy Hill gets points even for trying. The whole package is thought provoking in a wholly Vonnegutian way. All this, and Glenn Gould playing Bach as well. --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (36)

SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE
I watch A LOT of movies and even review movies online as a hobby. This film is my very favorite movie of all time (and after 46 years of living, that says a lot). Vonnegut to me, uses Billy Pilgrim as a virginal character (although in the film he does produce two children with his wife). He is like an innocent who goes through world war II and tries to avoid doing harm. As a result of a misunderstanding while a prisoner of war, he makes a lifelong enemy. We see Pilgrim's life process..his ups and downs, and his otherworldly adventures and in this movie, we are shown a new way of experiencing life...as the Tralfamadorians say..the secret to living in a crazy world is to concentrate on the good times and ignore the bad. If I only had one movie to watch on a desert island..it would be this one. Two thumbs and five stars all the way!

"Could we have the 'night canopy', please?"
George Roy Hill's vastly underrated and often misunderstood 1972 sci-fi classic is available on DVD at last (or once again...I have never personally seen an available copy of the purported first DVD release-it must have gone out of print rather quickly). Hill does an admirable job with Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s "unfilmable" story about Billy Pilgrim, a quiet and somewhat milquetoast Everyman (Michael Sachs) who has become "unstuck in time"; living/reliving random moments of his life in a kind of eternal "shuffle play". Without giving too much away, I'll just tell you that UFO's, WW 2, a sexy B-movie queen (played by Valerie Perrine-oh my!), suburban Americana, Zen philosophy, time travel, the End Of The Universe and intergalactic zoos all enter the mix, and believe it or not, it all makes perfect sense. In the hands of a lesser director, this type of risky book-to-film could have been a real mess (a la the most recent Vonnegut-to-screen "Breakfast Of Champions"). Hill manages to pull it off with the same class and finesse he would later apply to the equally 'unfilmable' John Irving story "The World According To Garp" (F.Y.I.-Hill's resume also includes "Butch Cassidy", "The Sting", "Slapshot" and "A Little Romance"!). The 2004 DVD transfer features a crisp widescreen picture and passable mono audio (no "extras", but I would suggest reading the book as an "extra"!) A must-have for fans of cerebral sci-fi.

our mind
I think this movie depicts how our minds go back and forth to our memories. As you can see Billy Pligrima unstuck on time and he lives now but at the same time he lives with past, present, and perhaps the future as well. It well written and made out as a movie. It is a post modern approach to the viewers of up coming generation. It is a great movie but you might read the book first and watch the film.

Misses A Point of the Novel
In my opinion, one of the most heart-breaking aspects of the novel upon which this film was based was the possibility that Billy Pilgrim had to fantasize the Trafalmadorians to hide from the fact the people are RESPONSIBLE for their own actions. I thought the film presented the Trafalmadorians as real, without looking into the possibility that people might be responsible for the horrors they create. I think the best film adaptation of a Vonnegut novel is "MOTHER NIGHT."

Billy...The war is over !!!
My all time favorite movie , read the book in 1973 and then saw the film on a late nite broadcast in the late 70's...When I got my first Video recorder this was one of the first films I bought....I have been looking to buy this on DVD for a long time and now I have it...The movie is well written and filmed , the music is outstanding and the acting is top notch...The German scenes of camps and halftracks and uniforms are right on the money...The story is a killer , time travel and insanity and fatherhood and anti-war themes run rampant....Dresden and the Feb. 1945 bombing are the central theme though and the storyline of this event is the thread that holds the movie together...Buy this movie and enjoy it many times....You need to view it at least a dozen times to catch all the plots and the dialouge and the great direction that was put into this story... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Much of what became the folk-music revival of the late 1950s and early 1960s--from which came Peter, Paul, and Mary, the Kingston Trio, and Bob Dylan, among others--began in the late 1940s with a group called the Weavers. Made up of Lee Hays, Ronnie Gilbert, Fred Hellerman, and Pete Seeger, the Weavers were part of a movement of socially conscious singers that began with Woody Guthrie (who, with Hays and Seeger, formed the Almanac Singers in the 1940s). This 1982 documentary captures a reunion performance at Carnegie Hall in the early 1980s of the now-aged Weavers, blending contemporary footage of the concert with background about the intemperate, intolerant times in which the Weavers first emerged. The film provides solid history of the McCarthy era, when the Weavers--riding high with a No. 1 hit in "Goodnight, Irene"--found themselves blacklisted as suspected Communists.

Reviews (7)

Still relevant, now more than ever!!
I didn't know anything about The Weavers before seeing this documentary. But I was absolutely thrilled by their brilliant musical talents and their passion. This tape shows them as they were in the early 80s attending a picnic together at Lee Hayes' house (he wasn't in great health) and then deciding to do one more Carnegie Hall performance (Pete Seeger's idea). What I was mostly struck by was the amazing and vital Ronnie Gilbert. As another reviewer mentioned here, her duet with Holly Near will give you goosebumps -- her passion, joy and love for life, all through the video, will inspire you long after you see this amazing story. I also agree with the other reviewer who said they wished there was more archival footage. But that's a small complaint. I have to admit I shed many a tear while watching this video -- it was just so touching.

If you claim to enjoy folk music,you must buy this
I grew up with the Weavers.They were my introduction to folk music. When I bought my first guitar theirs was the first music I taught myself to play.
In 1982 I learned that this film was playing a limited engagement at one Chicago movie house:the Biograph...of Dillinger fame.On a Sunday afternoon I sat in the darkened theater revisiting my childhood and feeling an intimacy with the performers who occupied a very special place in both my memory and my heart. At times I thought they were mine alone and other moments that the tears flowed with the realization that so important a part of life was over but not unreachable.
After the film,my date and I walked across the street to Fred Holstein's saloon where a hootnanny had been promised.Fred and Tom Paxton performed and the entire bar sang along into a 30 year time warp.it was magical.
If you know the Weaver's work,this film will take you on a trip down memory lane that will leave you both smiling and misty eyed.If you are,as yet,uninitiated to the wonder that was The Weavers, take this opportunity to experience wonderful music presented by four musicians/people the likes of which may not pass this way again.

one of the best music documentaries ive ever seen
this is a terrific movie, even not taking its subject matter into account. centered around a 1980 reunion of the legendary folk music group the weavers, it is a splendid tale of friendships revived and recalled. it is also a chance to see a filmed record of these brilliant musicians who fueled the folk craze of the late 50s and early 60s, while they themselves were still being blacklisted. a beautiful tribute to ronnie gilbert, freddy hellerman, pete seeger, and above all the wonderful lee hays. get it!

Spirited performances in a warm, upbeat movie
This film chronicles the reunion of the folk quartet The Weavers, opening with an informal picnic and closing with the group's triumphant concert at Carnegie Hall. The Weavers are interviewed together and individually about the rocky roads they've traveled, and a good selection of visuals complements the narration. This fascinating film could have used more archival footage (there is one vintage-1952 clip of the group singing "Tzena Tzena Tzena"), but the new concert footage is just as entertaining (especially "Wimoweh"). Those who know The Weavers will enjoy hearing many favorite songs; others will appreciate the story behind the music.

great stuff
Worth the price for two reasons- Lee Hays, who, well, RULES, and the BREATHTAKING spur-of-the-moment duet between Ronnie Gilbert and Hollie Near. Holy COW, your jaw will drop... Otherwise, really quaint and moving and full of quirky humor and wisdom. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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 ... Read more

Reviews (39)

A Beautiful, True to life story
This movie was directed by Nancy Savoca, a woman who did much with low budgets. Here she gets her first fairly large budget (but still not much by Hollywood Standards) and she gives us a wonderful story. Set on the Eve of the Kennedy Assasination, when most people thought Vietnam was a minor annoyance that would be quickly solved, Sgt. Eddie Birdlace(River Phoenix) and his pals have landed in San Francisco. Birdlace has to find the ugliest date he can to Bring to the "Dogfight". The Dogfight is a party where Marines bring their "dates", and the one with the ugliest date wins. This seemed believeable to me because of the time the movie was set in (1963). Birdlace settles on Rose Fenney, played to perfection by Lily Taylor. I wont delve too much more into the story, but the love that devlops between Fenney and Birdlace is something to behold. Birdlace ships out and returns to a very different San Francisco in 1967. This movie was barely released, and I cant understand why. It was an excellent one. The soundtrack was superb, but I cant seem to find it anywhere.

DOGFIGHT - The ultimate love story!
Dogfight is a simple story set in a complex time(early '60's/ Vietnam War time). River Phoenix and Lili Taylor are both phenomenal in this low budget film directed by Nancy Savoca. It is set in 1963 San Francisco, four Marines are out on the town for thier last night of fun before shipping out to Okinawa. They have arranged a "dogfight", a contest where the Marine with the ugliest "date" wins. Little did Eddie Birdlace(Phoenix) know, he would find true love in Rose Tinney(Taylor), his "date" for the contest. This movie is the most realistic, touching, and darkly humorous love story I've ever seen. I saw it for the first time several years ago and fell in love with it. Phoenix gives his best performance, next to My Own Private Idaho, in this film, and Taylor hers next to I Shot Andy Warhol. This film also has a great soundtrack, lots of folk music not normally used in early '60's period films, though it must be out of print because I can't seem to find it anywhere. This film didn't see a wide release and is fairly hard to find in rental stores, but it is well worth your time and money to get it. If you like the everyday, run-of-the-mill, romance films, you will love this extraordinary one. It's fresh and new, not like the more commercial films of this genera. It is definately a must have for River Phoenix or Lili Taylor fans.

One of the Best Films Ever!!!
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!

Takes Your Breath Away
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.

great movie
Lily Taylor is great in this movie. Captures San Francisco of another era. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Before I met you, I thought I was in trouble," says moneyed museumworker Minnie (Gena Rowlands) to longhaired car park attendant Seymour (Seymour Cassel) over a hot dog and a coffee. Such is the basis of true love in Minnie and Moskowitz, a shaggy, unusually romantic comedy that is nonetheless pure John Cassavetes. After a long introductory sequence in which each character fills the screen with the rhythm of their respective lives, they meet when Seymour rescues Minnie from a blind date gone hopelessly bad. Minnie and Seymour have almost nothing in common--he's a talkative, spontaneous goof with quicksilver emotions, a dead-end job, and little ambition, she's a shy, insecure but sincere upper-class single in an abusive affair with a married man (an uncredited Cassavetes, insidiously charming and cruelly bullying). But they are both lonely romantics with a love of Bogart movies. As in most of Cassavetes's work, the script is less a story than a string of dramatic engagements colored with the quirks and emotional impulses of its characters, and he takes his time exploring the nooks and crannies of the volatile relationship. But amidst the shouting matches and frenzied fights are moments of quiet intimacy, and it turns into the most hopeful portrait of romantic love in the Cassavetes canon, complete with a sunny, uncharacteristically happy home movie ending. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Perfect introduction to the world of Cassavetes
A little-seen treasure. I believe that this is the first official release on video, so this wonderful film can finally be seen other than on the late night movie or the occasional film festival. A charming, offbeat love story of the unlikely romance between a WASPy, middle class museum curator (Rowlands) and a slightly wacky hippie parking lot attendant (Cassel), this is one of Cassavetes' most satisfying works. Rowlands is terrific as usual, and Cassel is also great. He's one of the most underappreciated actors of the late twentieth century. The two are an odd combination, but somehow it works. Some scenes are hilarious, particularly an early date scene between Rowlands and the great Val Avery as an overzealous potential suitor. It's been said that Cassavetes couldn't do comedy, but you can't tell it from watching this movie. Minnie and Moskowitz is a great introduction to Cassavetes. It manages to be light hearted and comedic, while retaining the strong characterizations, dramatic depth, and offbeat feel of his more serious films. Four and 1/2 stars (rounded up to five). Highly recommended.

Finally, the release of this offbeat, funny, sensitive film
Many consider Cassavetes to be the father of American Independent Film. So, it's about time more of his film's are released to video. Minnie and Moskowitz is one of my favorites. Gena Rowlands and Seymour Cassel are uniquely genuine actors and their chemistry is exciting. It's a fun comic film yet still insightful. It is lighter than most of Cassavetes work. Therefore, it should appeal to a wider audience than, perhaps, Love Streams, which, I feel, is his best film. Unfortunately, Love Streams is currently unavailable.

Make it stop, dear Gods, please make it stop!
I think most of the reviews for this movie are positive simply because the sample of opinions is rather skewed. The reviewers are self-selected, perhaps consisting mostly of Cassavetes fans who are likely to buy DVD's of obscure 1970's independent films. I was subjected to this monstrosity in film class. It was like being in a waiting room in a hospital or somewhere, and some weirdo sits down next to you and starts spouting idiotic nonsense, and you can't get up and leave for almost two hours. I found myself frequently wondering if I could fatally puncture a major blood vessel with a ball point pen. I tried to give this film no stars but the server would not let me.

Love on the Rocks
I love Cassavetes, but I had a hard time getting into this one. Seymour Cassel yells and punches his way through a part that needed more hippie sweetness to win me over. He comes off more like a stalker than a passionate lover--in the end, Gena Rowlands doesn't seem to fall in love so much as cave in. Maybe it's the moustache--I liked him better when he cut it, too! The scenes with Cassavetes as her married lover are electrifying and I wanted to see more of him. This looks like a polished studio picture compared to most Cassavetes films. It's like he was trying to make a screwball romantic comedy in the Hollywood tradition but couldn't help being his explosive, passionate self. Still, some touching scenes (Rowlands drinking with her older friend, Cassavetes coming home to the kids) makes it well worth checking out.

All time classic
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and think it's one of Cassavetes best. It's been cast perfectly with Rowlands and Cassel and they both give moving, funny and electric performances. The exterior shots are amazing and the colours are great too. I laughed out loud many times at this shockingly real film and was deeply moved in parts like I am with most of his work. Seymour Cassel is a very underated actor and if you like him in this then you should watch In The Soup in which he is hilarious and very intriuging. I also recommend Cassavetes's Husbands which is just as good as the wonderful Minnie and Moskowitz. Check it out. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

A Beautiful, True to life story
This movie was directed by Nancy Savoca, a woman who did much with low budgets. Here she gets her first fairly large budget (but still not much by Hollywood Standards) and she gives us a wonderful story. Set on the Eve of the Kennedy Assasination, when most people thought Vietnam was a minor annoyance that would be quickly solved, Sgt. Eddie Birdlace(River Phoenix) and his pals have landed in San Francisco. Birdlace has to find the ugliest date he can to Bring to the "Dogfight". The Dogfight is a party where Marines bring their "dates", and the one with the ugliest date wins. This seemed believeable to me because of the time the movie was set in (1963). Birdlace settles on Rose Fenney, played to perfection by Lily Taylor. I wont delve too much more into the story, but the love that devlops between Fenney and Birdlace is something to behold. Birdlace ships out and returns to a very different San Francisco in 1967. This movie was barely released, and I cant understand why. It was an excellent one. The soundtrack was superb, but I cant seem to find it anywhere.

DOGFIGHT - The ultimate love story!
Dogfight is a simple story set in a complex time(early '60's/ Vietnam War time). River Phoenix and Lili Taylor are both phenomenal in this low budget film directed by Nancy Savoca. It is set in 1963 San Francisco, four Marines are out on the town for thier last night of fun before shipping out to Okinawa. They have arranged a "dogfight", a contest where the Marine with the ugliest "date" wins. Little did Eddie Birdlace(Phoenix) know, he would find true love in Rose Tinney(Taylor), his "date" for the contest. This movie is the most realistic, touching, and darkly humorous love story I've ever seen. I saw it for the first time several years ago and fell in love with it. Phoenix gives his best performance, next to My Own Private Idaho, in this film, and Taylor hers next to I Shot Andy Warhol. This film also has a great soundtrack, lots of folk music not normally used in early '60's period films, though it must be out of print because I can't seem to find it anywhere. This film didn't see a wide release and is fairly hard to find in rental stores, but it is well worth your time and money to get it. If you like the everyday, run-of-the-mill, romance films, you will love this extraordinary one. It's fresh and new, not like the more commercial films of this genera. It is definately a must have for River Phoenix or Lili Taylor fans.

One of the Best Films Ever!!!
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!

Takes Your Breath Away
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.

great movie
Lily Taylor is great in this movie. Captures San Francisco of another era. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Big mess
I did not like this movie at all. A twenty three year old man consorting with high school girls....where are the parents....Also in a previous comment either on this site or another it was pointed out that Richard Thomas did a frontal nude scene-I wish to correct that mistake. Thomas does NOT do a nude in this vehicle-he doesn't even take off his shirt. Robert Lyons does the nude scene and personally I think he should have left his clothes on. For me this movie was a big disappointment, something I rarely say of a Richard Thomas movie.

BEFORE "NATURAL BORN KILLERS".
"The Todd Killings" looks at how a young man who is extremely enigmatic could possibly get away with murder. Skipper Todd (Robert F. Lyons) plays a 23 year old man who likes to hang out with a bit of a younger crowd. He comes across as being someone who is dangerous and likes to have a good time. That appeals to a lot of young men and women and also some teenage girls who are constantly throwing themselves at Skipper. One day he kills a girl just to see what it was like. He gets a couple of friends of his to help cover up the murder. Will they tell the cops what they know? Will Skipper kill again?

Richard Thomas plays a young man named Billy with a bit of a shady past. Billy and Skipper end up becoming good friends but Billy becomes concerned when he thinks the girl he loves might become the next murder victim. The acting is fairly good but the screenplay ends up being rather frustrating. I kept feeling like "The Todd Killings" was on the brink of being something cutting edge and insightful, especially for a movie that's over thirty years old. It starts to scrape the surface of many interesting questions: Why do seemingly normal people kill? How can killers attract so many people and will his admirers still like him even if they know he is a murderer? Why is the media so fascinated with killers and sometimes make them into icons? These questions were never really answered and ultimately neither the acting nor the script end up being as good as that in "Natural Born Killers". That's a shame because this movie really had potential.

Excellent Chilling Portrait of a Killer and an Era
"The Todd Killings" is a lyrical, visually striking, well acted, lesser scene thriller. This film is about a small California town, where a charismatic 23 year old named Skipper Todd (!)charms his way into the lives of high school age guys and girls. There is much talk of "turning on", random sex, Vietnam, and philosophical ramblings. The cast is astonishingly good, with many farmiliar faces including I believe the Mom from the tvshow the Wonder years. This film is also a freaky portrait of a cold blooded sociopath-Skipper Todd himself. No one suspects the fury that lies beneath his mask. There are many frightening images, such as the film's opening in which Todd and his hippieish friends callously bury a body. Amorality abounds in this great, not to be missed gem. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

A Beautiful, True to life story
This movie was directed by Nancy Savoca, a woman who did much with low budgets. Here she gets her first fairly large budget (but still not much by Hollywood Standards) and she gives us a wonderful story. Set on the Eve of the Kennedy Assasination, when most people thought Vietnam was a minor annoyance that would be quickly solved, Sgt. Eddie Birdlace(River Phoenix) and his pals have landed in San Francisco. Birdlace has to find the ugliest date he can to Bring to the "Dogfight". The Dogfight is a party where Marines bring their "dates", and the one with the ugliest date wins. This seemed believeable to me because of the time the movie was set in (1963). Birdlace settles on Rose Fenney, played to perfection by Lily Taylor. I wont delve too much more into the story, but the love that devlops between Fenney and Birdlace is something to behold. Birdlace ships out and returns to a very different San Francisco in 1967. This movie was barely released, and I cant understand why. It was an excellent one. The soundtrack was superb, but I cant seem to find it anywhere.

DOGFIGHT - The ultimate love story!
Dogfight is a simple story set in a complex time(early '60's/ Vietnam War time). River Phoenix and Lili Taylor are both phenomenal in this low budget film directed by Nancy Savoca. It is set in 1963 San Francisco, four Marines are out on the town for thier last night of fun before shipping out to Okinawa. They have arranged a "dogfight", a contest where the Marine with the ugliest "date" wins. Little did Eddie Birdlace(Phoenix) know, he would find true love in Rose Tinney(Taylor), his "date" for the contest. This movie is the most realistic, touching, and darkly humorous love story I've ever seen. I saw it for the first time several years ago and fell in love with it. Phoenix gives his best performance, next to My Own Private Idaho, in this film, and Taylor hers next to I Shot Andy Warhol. This film also has a great soundtrack, lots of folk music not normally used in early '60's period films, though it must be out of print because I can't seem to find it anywhere. This film didn't see a wide release and is fairly hard to find in rental stores, but it is well worth your time and money to get it. If you like the everyday, run-of-the-mill, romance films, you will love this extraordinary one. It's fresh and new, not like the more commercial films of this genera. It is definately a must have for River Phoenix or Lili Taylor fans.

One of the Best Films Ever!!!
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!

Takes Your Breath Away
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.

great movie
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