Enemy Mine - Geliebter Feind

"Enemy Mine" takes place in the future, when humankind no longer wages war among its own, but now does battle with an alien race called the Dracs. Dennis Quaid is Davidge, a fighter pilot who crashes on a remote planet while engaged in battle with a Drac (Louis Gossett, Jr.). The Drac has survived its own crash landing, and the two opponents are initially hostile and mistrustful towards one another. But they realize that they will have to rely on each other in order to continue surviving. Over time, they become friends.

An unfortunate box-office flop in its time, this charming, likeable film can be seen as an 80s sci-fi update of the 1968 classic "Hell in the Pacific". Its themes come through loud and clear: we should at least try to appreciate each other, and celebrate our differences, and not be quick to make judgments. The story can be seen as a metaphor for any sort of bigotry, and the path to understanding. Ultimately, it can't help but become a little too precious; still, it's solidly entertaining as it manipulates the emotions and delivers the thrills.

Quaid and Gossett play this superbly. Reunited two years after "Jaws 3-D", they share a great chemistry all the way down the line. They make their scenes alternately tense, touching, and also humorous. Yes, the film does have a light touch at times, especially when the Drac (whom Davidge nicknames "Jerry") is led to believe that Mickey Mouse is some great mind back on Earth!

Wolfgang Petersen does a commendable job with the direction, as he follows up his smashing North American debut feature, "The NeverEnding Story". But the two gentlemen who really need to take a bow are production designer / art director / matte artist Rolf Zehetbauer and makeup effects creator Chris Walas. Zehetbauer creates an amazing look for this production; filmed both in German studios and on location in the Canary Islands, it actually looks like it's taking place on another planet. And Walas' reptilian-like makeup is most impressive.

With soaring music by Maurice Jarre, a typically fun supporting performance by notable screen heavy Brion James, two cool creature species (one predator, one prey), and excellent widescreen photography, this makes for quite an engaging show. At least it did manage to find an audience later on video.

Seven out of 10.

This outer space-opera buddy movie deals about earthlings and aliens facing a fierce fight . Two futuristic contenders a Draconian(Louis Gossett Jr) and a human(Dennis Quaid) dogfighting over the skies in their aircrafts .When the mortal space enemies are gunned down, they are stranded together into a faraway barren planet. They're forced to become friends and rely on one another in order to survive. The enemies, earthman and reptilian alien survive on hostile world facing enslavers foes(usual nasty Brion James).

This warmhearted Sci-Fi story packs noisy action, intrigue, space battles and good feeling . The cuddly story relies heavily on the continued relationship the two protagonists, however is quite amusing. Sensational and perceptible acting by Louis Gossett in spite of the mask and makeup by Chris Wallas(The fly), furthermore he must speak with purring. Spectacular production design by Rolf Zehelbauer(Cabaret, Odessa file, and he's Fassbinder's usual). Colorful and appropriate cinematography by Tony Imi. Wonderful music score by Maurice Jarre, though uses synthesizer, he's a classic musician and habitual of David Lean(Laurence of Arabia,Dr. Zhivago,Ryan's daughter). The motion picture is directed with sensibility by Wolfgang Petersen , a German working in Hollywood who achieved many hits, before(Das boot,Neverending story), like after( Troy, Perfect storm,Airforce one,Outbreak). Rating: Good, above average.

Relatively recent sci-fi blockbusters like The Matrix and Independence Day can't compare to a quality film like Enemy Mine. The movie is an exciting story of two marooned enemy space soldiers. They are indoctrinated with hate for each other's species, yet forced to live together to survive. Sound familiar?

The two soldiers learn to overcome their brainwashing about each other and learn to respect and love each other like brothers. What can be wrong with that? True moral story-telling ala the tv series "Star Trek".

The story keeps your interest with good special effects and space adventure on another world. The acting is very, very good. As many others have already noted, an overlooked and underrated film. Only the most jaded or immature could not find this an enjoyable movie. Highly recommend seeing it!

I loved it! It came on AMC and there was nothing else I cared to watch, so I left it on, thinking to go to bed shortly. I ended up watching the whole thing. It kept me rivited from beginning to end. Dennis Quaid is one of my favorite actors and I didn't know Lou Gossett was the lizard, but I guessed it from his voice. When I checked the credits at the end, I was right! He was soooo good. I can't describe it, you have to watch it. I shed a few tears toward the end. Won't tell you if they were happy or sad tears tho! You'll have to see for yourself!

I always forget that Dennis Quaid was in this. Possibly because he seems to have been born to play gruff, middle-aged characters and I sometimes forget he was ever young! Just like a lot of people seemed to have forgotten about 'Enemy Mine.' I know that a sci-fi film without wall-to-wall light-sabre action doesn't always appeal to the masses, but I'm hoping there are enough people out there who still appreciate this - quite uplifting - character-driven piece.

In the far future us humans are having one hell of a war with an alien species about who owns what in the cosmos. Casualties run deep on both sides and our plucky young space pilot, played by Quaid, ends up shooting down a rival alien on an uninhabited planet, only to find himself stranded there, too.

What follows is effectively a two-man show, Quaid portraying the 'good guy' and Louis Gossett Jr heavily made-up in full reptilian garb as the alien. However, seeing as there's no way off this rock, the two of them are going to have to do their best to work together in order to survive. Both actors play their part in elevating this film from just a run-of-the-mill sci-fi B-movie into something much deeper. You'll get to know the two people and learn that our enemies aren't always the bad guys.

Besides the delight in seeing great (alien) make-up and practical effects, there's a decent enough amount of humour which comes in the form of 'banter' between our two culturally-opposed leads. This humour never feels forced and comes from the natural misunderstandings that arise between them and lightens the tone enough for you to enjoy the film without feeling it's making light of their situation.

There are a few plot points I won't go into in case you haven't seen this, but if you don't mind a less action-packed film which relies on character over set-pieces, definitely don't let this one pass you by.