Judging by the cover (usually a mistake) I assumed Enemy Mine to be a quick cheesy Sci Fi/Horror flick from the 80’s. Of course it’s not really that kind of movie, but that doesn’t matter because it’s quality far surpassed my expectations. I was looking for something to laugh at and in the beginning that’s exactly what I got as campy acting and dialogue were being tossed around as a human ship battling an alien army was closing in on a victory. The ships occupants’ mood was quick to change (and mine would soon follow) as an abandoned alien ship crashes into them fatally wounding one soldier and sending their ship plummeting to an unknown planet. After crashing Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) pulls his co-pilot from the wreckage. Sharing a heartfelt exchange that sets the mood for the rest of the feature he notices the escape pod of the enemy ship land not far from the crash site. Swearing revenge Davidge attempts to trap the Drac (Name given to the Alien race) in a sea of fire. The alien Jerry (Louis Gossett Jr.), escapes and captures the human who it helps to survive while he’s held captive. Davidge realises he might need the alien’s help to survive this strange planet so after being released tries to keep the peace until the time is right. Soon the two realise they aren’t so different and use the opportunity to learn of the others culture to better understand the intent of the war taking place above, as well as the individual intent they have against one another. The two grow to be great friends and allies teaching each other their languages, cultures, and strategies to survive. One thing Davidge learns is that the Drac are one gendered creatures and he has to face this reality head on as while struggling to survive Jerry shows signs of being pregnant. In the Drac race pregnancies just happen and without any knowledge of how to healthily manage the situation Jerry dies giving birth to Zammis. The cycle starts again with Davidge now responsible to take care of his friends child while teaching him both the ways of man, and that of the Drac. Enemy Mine is a brilliant social commentary on the unrest we face as a society daily through the misunderstanding of other’s culture. And the message is packaged in an entertaining story similar to something you’d see in 1950’s Sci Fi comics.
