Birdlace (Phoenix) is this cussy Marine trying to find an ugly date for the dogfight. Rose (hopeful and naive but never pathetic) finds out the nature of the dogfight and gives everyone a piece of her mind (in the commentary, we learn this particular scene of the film was the first take!). The bulk of the movie concerns Birdlace's last night with Rose in the States before he ships off to Vietnam.
There are just SO MANY small things in the film that make this believable.
The love scenes - instead of cutting to the 'good' stuff, she (the director) makes you sit through every painful moment of it.
The setting/atmosphere - contrasted with the rigid 60s, Birdlace is received by the anti-war movement of the 70s when he comes back from Vietnam.
The minor characters have such engaging, distinct personalities.
If you have the patience to watch it or dont feel you "get" the film, I highly suggest the commentary (I personally give the commentary a 5/5 stars). In the commentary, the director notes how the viewer can simultaneously agree with the harsh viewpoint of Birdlace and the idealistic one of Rose. The director also compares Rose to a fluffy duckling about to go into this crowd of men with very different intentions when she chooses her puffy yellow dress to wear to the dogfight.
Look for Brendan Fraser!
4.5/5 stars
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