Description: In this visually stunning sci-fi adventure, two warriors engaged in a savage, futuristic war between Earth and the planet Dracon. Crash-land on a desolate, fiery planet. At first, the human, (Dennis Quaid) and his reptilian, alien opponent (Louis Gossett, JR) are intent on destroying each other, the two stranded pilots gradually realize that the only way either of them will survive is to overcome their undying hatred.
Amazon.com essential video: Lizard-like Draconian Louis Gossett Jr. and his mortal enemy, earthling Dennis Quaid, crash-land on a hostile planet during a brutal space battle. Forced to rely on one another for survival, they overcome their differences and become fast friends. You can almost hear them break into an off-key version of "It's a Small World." German director Wolfgang Petersen, so brutally honest with his film Das Boot, turns warm and cuddly on us with this intergalactic buddy movie. Much of the problem, though, is that the script sets us up for an intriguing encounter, then settles for a simple and sentimental resolution. Noteworthy set design and strong performances, especially by Gossett, push this beyond mere mediocrity. His performance is fascinating, as he must speak in an alien tongue, which he maintains with artistry and consistency. --Rochelle O'Gorman
Stands the test of time! One of the most amazing stories on film. It sends a message without being preachy. Louis Gossett Jr. is amazing in his portrayal, perhaps his finest performance. Dennis Quaid is at the top of his game. This movie stands the test of time with a message that stands up to the decades
Even Soviets liked it (especially the ones who were kids at a time)... This was one of a very few American films that were actually purchased by Soviet cinema authorities for a theatrical release in Soviet Union. While the likes of "Star Wars" and "Alien" where bashed as decadent and imperialistic, "Enemy Mine" and "Star man" where released with very little censorship. And so it stands as one of the first visually magnificent experiences of my childhood: watching "Enemy Mine" in my local cinema house in Alma-Ata on a big screen and in (almost) all of its glory back in 1987.
Daaahweeech. There is no ... shppoooooooon ...
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.
One of the best movies ever made! Enemy Mine This is absolutely more of the more endearing movies of all time. Great actors. Great special effects. Excellent storyline.
This is science fiction at its finest. 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. 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.
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