This is one of those underrated movies that I love. I discovered it on tv about 5 years ago and I can watch it over and over without getting bored. When did the rest of you discover it? Most people I know have never even heard of it.
shareUnderatted is hardly the word for it! It grossed less than $400,000 upon a very limited release. I do remember it was reviewed by Roger Ebert when it was first released in 1991, and he gave it a positive review. There is no accounting for American cultural taste. In fact, American taste in movies generally trends toward the moronic car chase "classics."
I first saw it about three years ago on one of my satellite movie channels. This is the type of film where expectations were low (even though I remembered Ebert's review and often agree with his ratings) when I first began watching it, but I was hooked two minutes into it. I give it an 8. My rating scale is such that if it's 7 or better, it is not a waste of time going to the theater, pay the going rate, and not feel cheated.
You are correct about the quality of this movie. Keep telling people about it so it's fame will spread.
This is one of my all time favorite sleepers. A very enjoyable, sweet movie...
I recommend Dogfight.