Enemy Mine [HD]

Species is no barrier to friendship
Adapted from Barry B Longyear's novella, "Enemy Mine" could almost be a stage play. Only two actors at a time take up the majority of screen time. The sets could be taken out of the original Lost in Space studio lot and there's not enough action to keep most kids interested. Despite this, the film is terrific. It's one of those rare stories that concentrate on the subtle interaction between the characters while taking them on a moral journey.

Have I put any of the Sci-Fi geeks off their breakfast yet? Well okay, this is a science fiction movie. But it didn't have to be. The story throws two indelible enemies together, on a desolate and dangerous planet. After trying to continue their struggle, a truce is eventually called as they both realise cooperation is necessary for their survival. Despite their common need, differences in culture, politics and religion continue to wear on their partnership. And it is this constant friction which works to build...

Why isn't this on DVD yet!
This is such a great, yet highly under-rated sci-fi drama. Louis Gossett, Jr. is excellent as the alien and Dennis Quaid's performance is moving and extremely convincing. Sworn enemies, humans and this strange and highly mis-understood race of aliens (Draconians) are at constant war. When Quaid & Gossett end up shooting each other out of the sky and falling onto an uninhabited planet, they are forced to find common ground in order to survive. While they first attempt to kill one another, they gradually become reluctant friends and eventually blood brothers. Draconians are a very different species and there are no gender differences, so all Draconians experience child birth. When Gossett's character finds himself with child, a new dynamic is thrown into the story that shows the extent to which Quaid will go for his new best friend. The scenes to follow are moving and tender. Still sci-fi, but not a Terminator meets the Alien type of film. Not your typical sci-fi, but...

This is what science fiction is all about!
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...

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