An Earthling Soldier crash lands on an alien planet. The guy that he was in a space dogfight with also crashes. They both try to kill each other at first, but end up creating a friendship they never saw coming. That the story behind the 1985 Sci-fi film ENEMY MINE, and that’s my Flashback Friday for today.
Dennis Quaid is Willis Davidge, the hotshot pilot that thinks he’s a match for anyone in the galaxy. Louis Gossett Jr. is Jeriba ‘Jerry’ Shigan, the Drax warrior that keeps himself going through his faith. As they realize that they won’t survive the treacherous planet while fighting each other, the pair form a mutual truce that turns into outright friendship. Things really go awry when Jerry tells Davidge that he’s pregnant.
I know what you’re probably asking, “So what does a ‘Mine’ have to do with the whole thing?” Well, there is a mine in the film, like an ore mine that you dig out precious metals and stuff. But that doesn’t come in to the story until the third act. Actually, I’m not even sure why they named the film like that. It is a good backdrop for the climax of the film, but they could have named it something that had more to do with Davidge and Shigan. Either way, even though it was a little slow in places, ENEMY MINE wasn’t a bad film at all. It’s not a 10, but it’s worth renting. Louis Gossett Jr. was actually excellent in the role of a spiritual warrior alien.
ENEMY MINE was a story written by Barry Longyear and adapted by Edward Khmara. For a film with mostly just two actors carrying the action, Wolfgang Petersen did a great job of directing.
For you Geek brothers and sisters that were to young to see this one, or if you just happen to miss it growing up, let me know what you thought of it. And if you did see it back in the day, and it does hold a special place in your little geek heart, tell me how You liked it too.
image source: thegeekcouch.com
Loading tweets...
3 comments
Robert Monroe, Jr.
August 25, 2012 at 10:33 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Shumara will appreciate that Barry Longyear, the author of “Enemy Mine” (a 1980 Hugo, Nebula & Locus winner) has a story story collection titled, “It Came From Schenectady”. I’m currently working my way through Longyear’s “Science-Fiction Writer’s Workshop-I”.
Geek Soul Brother
August 25, 2012 at 2:45 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s cool. I’ll have to give her a heads up. But knowing her, she might have read it already. Thanks Rob.
Illumeenous
August 28, 2012 at 1:02 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
No I didn’t know that, and Enemy Mine is one of my favorite movies. See you learn something new every day. I’ll have to find that collection…