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Enemy Mine is a 1985 American science-fiction film directed by Wolfgang Petersen and starring Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr. Set in the distant future, the movie takes us on a journey through the galaxy as we follow two enemy fighter pilots who crash-land on a remote planet. One of them is a human, Willis Davidge (played by Dennis Quaid), and the other is a lizard-like creature known as a Drac, Jeriba Shigan (played by Louis Gossett Jr.). The two pilots are originally from opposing sides of a long-standing intergalactic war that has consumed their respective civilizations.

As the story begins, the two pilots must put aside their differences and work together if they hope to survive on their hostile new home, which is characterized by extreme temperatures and a lack of resources. Their initial interactions with each other are fraught with suspicion and hostility, but they eventually learn to communicate and cooperate as they face numerous challenges while trying to find a way off the planet.

One of the most compelling aspects of Enemy Mine is the evolution of the relationship between Willis and Jeriba. Initially, Willis tries to kill Jeriba in a fit of rage, but he is stopped by the fact that Jeriba is about to give birth. This encounter sparks the beginning of a fascinating mutual dependency between the two characters that is a central theme of the film. As they come to depend on each other for survival, they begin to see past their differences and develop a deep and meaningful bond.

As they struggle to survive on the inhospitable planet, they learn more about each other's culture and history. Jeriba tells Willis about the Drac way of life, culture, and society. They learn that the Drac believe in a peaceful existence and the nurturing of their young, and they both realize that their respective societies have been pursuing a path towards mutual destruction.

Enemy Mine also touches on themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the effects of war. Both Willis and Jeriba have been conditioned to hate and fear each other due to the conflict between their civilizations. However, as they begin to understand each other better, they come to see the flaws in their own cultural beliefs and those of their enemies.

Throughout the film, the cinematography and special effects are used to great effect. The remote planet on which the two characters are stranded is both isolated and foreboding, which creates a sense of danger and urgency. The makeup used to create the Drac characters is also impressive, conveying an otherworldly, alien aura. These elements combine to create a sci-fi world that is immersive and believable.

The musical score of Enemy Mine is also noteworthy. It was composed by Maurice Jarre, who was known for his work on films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. The soundtrack is both moving and atmospheric, serving to enhance the emotional moments of the film.

In conclusion, Enemy Mine is a classic sci-fi film that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The character interactions are nuanced and authentic, and the themes explored are as relevant today as they were in 1985. Still timely and poignant, this film is a must-see for fans of science fiction and those interested in exploring complex character relationships and the effects of war.

Enemy Mine is a 1985 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 59.