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Enemy Mine Customer Reviews (1 - 3 of 18 Reviews)
Didn't Care for Last 30 Minutes
The first hour of the movie I would give 5 stars. The interaction between the human and Drac was well done. The last 30 minutes deteriorated into cheesy dialogue and action sequences, as if they were necessary to make this a "real" sci-fi film. I would give the last 30 minutes 1 star. Worth watching.
Sssssmile When You Say That
Draconians and Humans are having a war over territory (what else), firmly establishing that the same sort of nonsense that has occurred in human history between various races continues in space. The only difference is that the Draconians are actually reptilian versions of us. This movie attempts not so subtly to compare our racism throughout history, most particularly recent history, with the racism that is expressed against the Draconians.
Draconian Jeriba "Jerry" Shigan (Louis Gossett, Jr.) and macho Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) crash land on the same planet. Anything that happens before the crash is background and is nearly extraneous to the real story, which is how Jerry and Davidge grow to see each other as "people," and actually grow to care about each other. That is what the movie is about. However, the focus of the movie is not so much where the movie goes as the journey. The movie focuses a great deal of attention on the events that can draw different people together and cause them to understand each other. With understanding can come caring.
I know the previous paragraph sounds maudlin, sort of like "Lassie" in space, but this movie, in spite of its lukewarm critical reception, is interesting to watch. For years science fiction fans (as opposed to fantasy fans) have gloried in the fact that science fiction has always been able to explore topics where the main stream has difficulty. To phrase it another way, only us geeks watch this stuff, so no one cares what is in it. Thus this movie is able to show how two races come to a common purpose and you start to wonder whether there is any real difference between the races.
The only point I was unsure of in this movie was the birth of Zammis (Bumper Robinson). The whole birth process and the biological explanation were somewhat interesting. The attachment of Davidge to Zammis was expected, because biologically we are wired to protect young, regardless of the species (well, the sort of cute cuddly ones, anyway). Of course, the birth of Zammis did help set up the expected and somehow satisfying end of the movie.
I suppose that one of the biggest criticisms of this movie is that it went for such a cliché ending after the marvelous acting when Davidge and Jerry were isolated. Louis Gossett, Jr., particularly had a difficult acting job, portraying an alien, speaking in an alien language, and expressing emotions in heavy makeup. Louis Gossett, Jr., received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Actor, one of the six awards for which this movie was nominated. Unfortunately, the movie did not win any of the nominations. However, Louis Gossett, Jr., deserved to win at least one of the awards. Watch this one and see what I mean. Just do not expect lots of death rays and fight scenes.
Space Is The New Battleground
Enemy Mine is an underrated sci-fi film, that, thanks to home video and cable, has gained some noteriety as a cult classic. Its story may be a well worn premise, but it works, because of two great perfomances and seasoned director at the helm.
"By late in the 21st century, the nations of the Earth were finally at peace, working together to explore and colonize the distant reaches of space. Unfortunately, we weren't alone out there. A race of non-human aliens called the Dracs were claiming squatters' rights to some of the richest star systems in the galaxy"...During a harrowng space battle, two warring ships crash on a barren planet, with only one survivor from each ship. At first, the human pilot, Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and the lizardlike Drac (Louis Gossett Jr.) continue to fight, but the planet's harsh climate and the need to survive force them to work together. Over time, they put their hostilities aside and form a friendship. When the parthenogenetic Drac's health becomes an issue the two draw even closer.
The film, based on author Barry Longyear's novella, is an aligory on race relations. Edward Khmara's script also allows for some great interplay between the two leads. Quaid and Gossett make quite a pair. Director Wolfgang Petersen
trades his epic style (Das Boot, Troy, In The Line Of Fire) for more "intimate" storytelling. Gosset gets special extra kudos for pulling off a role, where he spoke very little english, while wearing a full body costume in heavy prostetic make-up. The scene where both characters try to learn each other's language offers some of the film's best moments.
I wish the DVD had more extras on it. The theatrical trailer, a few production stills, and a few other release ads, are all you'll see. A Quaid Gossett Petersen reunion might be fun.
Bonus material issues aside, Enemy Mine is a must see sci-fi gem. A mid 80's classic
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