AllMovie

One of the best films of River Phoenix's all-too-brief career, Dogfight was widely overlooked in its 1991 release. Like the relationship between its two protagonists, the film is an understated, nuanced affair, built on character development and interaction rather than showy romantic spectacle. Phoenix and Lili Taylor are terrifically subtle, rejecting the opportunity to stereotype their characters, a macho Marine and a plain poet. Thanks to their portrayals and Nancy Savoca's patient direction, Dogfight emerges as more a satisfying character study than a "lesson" film. From the outset, we know that Phoenix's Eddie isn't all bad, Taylor's Rose isn't at all ugly, and the two will end up teaching each other about life; but the joy of watching the film is witnessing the characters discover things about themselves, each other, and the world in general. Set against the early years of the Vietnam War, Dogfight echoes with tender, well-placed poignancy. In watching Rose and Eddie spend the night together, the audience seems to be witnessing the world's last oasis of sanity and understanding.