Dogfight
In the fall of 1963, Eddie Birdlace is an 18-year-old Marine Corps volunteer who is about to ship out with three of his buddies for a tour of duty in Vietnam. Planning a massive blowout for their last night in San Francisco, Eddie, his buddies, and a number of other Marines set up a contest they call a "dogfight”.
Critics Sentiment
Wounded Birdlace returns and embraces Rose in coffee shop
Rose learns about the contest's cruel nature in bathroom
The dramatic shift from Rose's devastating discovery of the cruel contest to Birdlace's redemptive pursuit of her, rising from 4.8 to 7.2 as genuine connection begins.
Dogfight follows a clear redemption arc, starting uncomfortably with the cruel contest setup before building to exceptional emotional highs as the central relationship develops. Critics consistently praised the authentic, unglamorous portrayal of first love and the film's realistic approach to romance, culminating in a powerfully moving wordless reunion.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 48
River Phoenix
Eddie Birdlace
Lili Taylor
Rose Fenny
Richard Panebianco
Berzin
Anthony Clark
Oakie
Mitchell Whitfield
Benjamin
Holly Near
Rose Sr.
E. G. Daily
Marcie
Sue Morales
Ruth Two Bears
Christina Mastin
Linda
Christopher Shaw
Donavin
John Lacy
Fector
Chris San Nicholas
Dogfight Buddy
Brian Gotta
Dogfight Marine
Peg Phillips
Older Cafe Customer
Neal Allen
Sergeant Judge
Ron Lynch
Lance Corporal Judge
Dale Carman
Restaurant Maitre D'
Burke Pearson
Waiter
Angie Utt
Thrift Shop Woman
Kenneth Utt
Thrift Shop Man
Crew
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