Enemy Mine
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Movie Reviews of Enemy Mine
Movie Review: This is science fiction at its finest.
Summary: 5 Stars
No massive space battles or laser gunplay, though you do get a dose of each of those things. What you have is a purely character driven story that works to what I would call epic proportions. This is a must see for any science fiction fan.
The beauty about Enemy Mine is it cuts into one of the most classic themes in your standard sci-fi genre, which is being at war with an alien race. Instead of focusing on the war itself the focus is on two people on opposite sides of it. Most of the time in war movies of any kind you never really get to know the enemy. This movie changes that and does tells it in such a way where you completely forget the original conflict. Interesting enough the character interaction regarding their war only further serves to humanize them as you don't really know who's race is at fault and it seems these wayward soldiers don't know either. The story even transcends that relationship on the second half of the movie. It's almost like two stories in one.
You can't pull this kind of storytelling off without some amazing talent. Dennis Quaid brings forth a stellar performance as the stubborn human who learns and evolves as a person. Louis Gossett Jr. will blow you away on how well he can act inside an alien costume and mask. His body movements, eye movements, way of speaking, it all culminates in what I would call the best alien acting of all time. The chemistry between Quaid and Gossett really make the movie.
Special effects are good for the year the movie was made. There are some really neat looking Earth fighters and space station that combine that sweet classic 50's rocket ship style with a little bit of 80's starfighter on top of it. The model work does seem obvious, but it just fits so well with the overall look of the movie I actually find myself preferring it that way. The planet sets and landscapes are as gorgeous as they are barren looking. You won't find any bad settings here.
I wish this movie would get a nice DVD treatment and I've been waiting on that for a while now. Or better yet a good Blu-Ray transfer. This DVD has nothing to speak of regarding special features or extras at all. Here's hoping a future release will have at least a commentary or something.
Enemy Mine goes beyond what science fiction movies normally did in 80's era or any post Star Wars era sci-fi. There's enough action to keep it from being called a drama, but it's best to think of it as a grand adventure film. It puts you very much in touch with the characters and doesn't let go. This movie should be considered required viewing for all self-respecting fans of this genre.
Movie Review: Over two decades later, still a great film !
Summary: 5 Stars
When this film first came out in 1985, it had only been two years since the Israeli attack on Lebanon in 1982 and the Sabra and Chatilla Massacres there. So I found myself projecting mid-Eastern politics into the story. I have no idea if this was the intent of the writer or the producer, but the scenes of the mining camp where Davidge first sees how Humans are mistreating the reptilian race called Dracs -- and understands that Earth is not so righteous in her attempts to colonize an already-inhabited part of space -- really hit home for me at that time. Having just viewed this film again last night, I can still see the mid-East parallels, as well as a more general story about building intercultural bridges and turning enemies into friends.
The film itself is fantastic in terms of acting. It doesn't have high-tech special effects (the opening scenes are analog and rather dated) but it doesn't really need them. As other reviewers here have noted, this could easily be performed as a stage play, because its mostly a drama between the two main characters. The depth and growth of these characters -- and the way the actors have played them -- is still very timely, making this, in my opinion, one of the best of science fiction films of all time.
The film opens with space battles between two sworn enemies, Humans and Dracs, who have been at war for a long time but neither really knows much about the other. Then a soldier from each side crashes on a hostile planet -- where they must now cooperate in order to survive. Davidge the human and Jerry the Drac (a nickname, since Davidge can't pronounce the full Drac name) eventually learn each other's languages and develop genuine respect. Davidge, who had never before even seen a Drac, learns that they have a deep spirituality and a very sophisticated culture. Hec also learns that the areas of space Earth has been colonizing (and assuming to be empty, unclaimed territory) have actually been part of the Drac empire for centuries. So the Dracs see Earth as the invaders -- a perspective Davidge had not considered before.
Dracs are hermaphroditic, and Jerry becomes pregnant, explaining that "with Humans it is a choice, but with Dracs it just happens." Jerry is looking forward to having a child, but the birth goes wrong and Jerry dies in childbirth. Now it's up to Davidge to raise a Drac child -- which he does, forming a genuine bond of love with this little alien being. So when the Drac child is captured and enslaved by the Human miners - -well, any more would be a spoiler. Watch it for yourself.
Movie Review: This is what science fiction is all about!
Summary: 5 Stars
Characters drive stories, regardless of their surroundings or ---in this case --- time. Louis Gossett Jr. deserved an academy award for his work in the reptillian costume and his incredible use of voice and movements. Absolutely high caliber acting. Dennis Quaid is no less phenomenal but didn't have to wear a cumbersome outfit and makeup like Mr. Gossett did. Most notable is the fact that this film was made over 16 years ago and is still an excellent science fiction movie. Stands the test of time.The story is that of a pilot out in space on a space station who is helping to 'defend' the mineral rights and other human interests of this sector of the galaxy. The only other living space-faring species out there are the Dracs. Mr. Gosset plays a Drac known as Jareeba (or Jerry as Dennis Quaid comes to call him). They are mortal enemies and nearly kill each other many times after each of their ships crash land on an unihabited planet that has impressive meteor showers, little food and funky weather patterns. Eventually, through time and circumstances, these two enemies are forced to cooperate together so that they can survive and in so doing learn a little bit about each other and their respective societies. They aren't that different, humanity and the Dracs. An age-old story done over and over again, right? True, but this one gives us a twist. Jerry becomes pregnant (no he is neither female nor male. Dracs simply become pregnant when the time is right). But Jerry's pregnancy goes awry and he dies before giving birth. Dennis Quaid has to cut the child out and raise it until he's rescued. But should he be rescued by humans, what will happen to Zamis (the little Drac who grows rapidly)? And if rescued by Dracs, what will happen to Dennis Quaid?
Dennis becomes the father figure for Zamis and they are eventually 'rescued' from the planet by human slave traders that force Dracs into mining colonies. What happens to Zamis in the end? What can Dennis Quaid do to help Zamis survive? Watch the movie and learn the twist on an old theme. Excellent.
Movie Review: Daaahweeech. There is no ... shppoooooooon ...
Summary: 5 Stars
As the movie opens the viewer is confronted by two very surprising things. The first is the name of the director, Wolfgang Peterson. It would be the German Director's first movie for the American mainstream audience and undoubtedly his best to date. The second thing is the gross inclusion of gratuitous Analog Special effects, which might make this movie one of the last films to include effects on this level. Blade Runner strictly used Analog Special Effects, but did far greater things with them. These two things, viewed in today's world, might turn off a few viewers, but the best thing I can offer up: is to stick with it.
However, both those things aside, the film, very rightly and very appropriately, gets to the story quickly and it is the story that makes this one of the best science-fiction movies of the `80's decade.
Enemy Mine is an incredibly touching film about perceived differences between two warring species, but speaks to the larger issue of race and all people. That's a pretty hefty order for sure to address successfully in film, but the story hails from a period of writing where moralist intent seeped into most writing, deftly, and was the norm. Barry Longyear stands firmly beside such Science-Fiction greats as Philip K. Dick, Gene Rodenberry and Walter Tevis.
I have fond memories of watching this film as a boy and can hardly forget Louis Gossett Jnr.'s much quotable: "Daaahweeech." The final scene is also very moving and very thought provoking for anyone who wonders why we, as a people, do not go to greater lengths in establishing our lineage. But, it's probably true for all of us that we all have some family members that are worthy of forgetting.
Movie Review: Usual Oscar "FU"
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a classic, with astronaut Davidge (an impossibly young Dennis Quaid) stranded on a planet with his mortal enemy, an evil Drac named Jarrrrriiiba (Louis Gossett Jr., recognizable even under all that rubber). WOW, this film shows you what the good stuff was like back then. At least in my book.
The Drac, a reptilian race, are at war with Earth. Nonetheless, no one knows what Dracs look like, and the war has been interminable. I love this film even more now because it is so reminiscent of the Iraqi War.
The human and the Drac get stranded together after they both crash, they get to know each other, and the story unfolds beautifully from there. Give peace a chance, and watch this classic of sci-fi classics! And don't forget to zoom in for a gander at the reptilian's metal holy book which he wears around his neck, and from which he reads....