Dogfight (1991) review

Before they're deployed to Okinawa (and eventually Vietnam), Eddie Birdlace (River Phoenix) and his Marine buddies play a cruel game in which they're supposed to bring exceptionally unattractive girls to a bar (the "winner" gets a cash prize) and Eddie convinces demure waitress Rose (Lili Taylor) to be his "date" - when Rose figures out what's happening she's understandably upset and Eddie feels guilty, so he asks for her forgiveness.  This is a little-seen but endearing gem that brings together two opposite personalities - chain-smoking Eddie thinks he can apply brute force to any situation while Rose believes in the power of music to unite - and uses San Francisco's inherent nocturnal beauty to make their evening all the more memorable.  Some of the "tough guy" banter is grating, but it's important to keep in mind these are still teenage boys ... and, as we know, individuals that age (even though they're being asked to serve their country) aren't the most empathetic.  It also serves as a reminder of how poorly soldiers were treated once they returned "home" ... but it ends on a jubilant note, and hopefully that one-night-stand blossoms into a lifetime of affection.