Enemy Mine

| 1985

Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen

Main Plot

Enemy Mine is set in a distant future where humans are engaged in an interstellar war with an alien race known as the Drac. The story follows a human pilot who crashes on a desolate planet after a fierce dogfight with a Drac fighter. Stranded and forced to survive, he encounters a Drac named Jeriba Shigan. Initially, they are adversaries, but as they face the harsh realities of their environment, they form an unlikely alliance. Over time, they learn to communicate and understand each other, overcoming their deep-seated prejudices and cultural differences. Together, they confront the challenges of survival, including the planet's dangers and their own conflicting backgrounds. The bond that develops between them ultimately leads to profound revelations about friendship, sacrifice, and the nature of humanity, transcending the boundaries of their respective species.

Characters

  • Dennis Quaid plays Willis Davidge, a human pilot stranded on a hostile planet who befriends an alien enemy, overcoming prejudice and forming a deep bond for survival.
  • Louis Gossett Jr. plays Jeriba "Jerry" Shigan, an alien Drac who forms an unlikely friendship with a human enemy while stranded on a hostile planet, overcoming cultural differences.
  • Brion James played Stubbs, a miner who becomes involved in the conflict between humans and Dracs, highlighting the exploitation and tension in the storyline.

Ending Explained

In Enemy Mine, the ending unfolds as a culmination of the intense conflict and unlikely friendship between the human pilot, Willis Davidge, and the alien, Jeriba Shigan. After surviving a harrowing crash on a desolate planet, the two initially view each other as enemies, but their circumstances force them to cooperate for survival. As they face various challenges, including hostile environments and the threat of their respective species, they develop a profound bond. The climax occurs when Jeriba reveals he is pregnant, and after giving birth to a son, he entrusts Davidge with the child's future, knowing he will not survive the impending conflict with the human forces. Jeriba's sacrifice highlights the themes of understanding and acceptance that permeate the narrative. After Jeriba's death, Davidge raises the child, named Zammis, and vows to protect him from the prejudices of both humans and aliens. In the final scenes, Davidge returns to human society, now transformed by his experiences. He advocates for peace and understanding between the two species, embodying the film's message about overcoming hatred and embracing our shared humanity. The ending reinforces the idea that love and friendship can transcend even the deepest divides.

Wolfgang Petersen Action Adventure Drama Dennis Quaid Louis Gossett Jr. Brion James