Next to 'Coyote Ugly'
This film was a frggin masterpiece.
I've lived in a Drinking Town with a Sailing Problem (Annapolis Maryland) for 36 years and I've never seen "Bartender Poets" and Bar Patrons that speak Poetry.
Nor have I seen "All Female Bartenders" who wannabee strippers or Hooters girls and I can tell you right now if a Female Bartender sprayed Tap Water on a patron she would get sued.
This movie was a huge departure for Tom Cruise as was "Days Of Thunder" but I seriously think his Career Swan Song is going to be "Rock Of Ages".