Last month, I asked for movie recommendations from a friend, and she gave me several ones, but I picked one first because the title got me: The Best of Enemies. I was thinking it would be an action movie, but when I finally saw it, it was not what I expected because it was based on real life, which made it more interesting. But one thing that got me in this movie was how a woman can remain calm, composed, loving even in the midst of overwhelming situations around her community while dealing with racism and school desegregation.
I love the brilliancy of all the characters, and one that held my attention first was C.P. Ellis. He seems very difficult and different at first because of how deeply rooted his hatred was. There was this moment that when the next scene brings him up, I always feel like fast-forwarding it. But just in the middle of the movie, I began to take note of the small cracks on the wall that he has built around himself. Everything around him wasn't unrealistic or sudden. They all came from somewhere, just pride, confusion, painful trust, denial, and dedication to making everything workout because a lot of people were looking up to him for answers. And those things alone made his change around people feel earned rather than scripted.
And on the other hand, I won't say she is my favorite character in the movie, but she was just so impressive with the way she handled things even under pressure. I also admire how Ann Atwater refused to bow down to intimidation and insults and kept her voice heard even when a lot wanted to shut her up. What l liked most about her is that even during those frustrating, exhausted moments that made her face look speechless and the weight she carried, she was invincible, and she kept on showing up without backing down. And I respected her more for this.
Also, all the characters played a very important role, I must say, and even the scenes were not bad. Ann's family and Ellie's family also taught me something very crucial: that the role and decision that two people make can affect a lot of people and not just themselves. And I like the way Riddick made the meetings possible, because he totally understood that the importance of real change starts by putting uncomfortable people in that same room, just the the meetings between the two race.
And a scene that I will never probably forget because it so much stood out for me was during the community meetings. Even though one didn't agree with the other, those scenes were not boring because they show the power between support and disagreement. But one scene that I still like was towards the ending, about how Ellis finally stood before his own people and decided to speak the truth, not minding their acceptance.
He finally decided to do what was right by bringing the two races together by supporting them because this scene alone was like a major turnaround for the entire movie. It's one thing to change your mind over a thing, and then it's another thing to stand in front of your own people who don't agree and still stand on what is right, which made them turn against him and not buy from him again. He did something remarkable and courageous to me.
If I had any complaint about this movie, it would be about the ending because I was not ready for the whole story to just end that way. I wanted to see how things turn around in Ellie's business and the whole community. Though the whole movie was very satisfying to watch.
I won't act as if I didn't enjoy The Best Of Enemies because I learned a lot in a way that showing love to others can go a long way in changing their minds, and changing other people's opinions can be accomplished by being calm and not through shouting or arguments. At times, it all can start with simply sitting across from someone long enough to see the human being behind the labels. Showing genuine love even if they don't like you. I have added this movie to my favorites because I don't mind watching an interesting movie like this over and over again, and I won't hesitate to recommend it to anyone who loves to watch real-life movies that are meaningful.
Other images are screenshots from my movie player
Rating: 90/100
Rating: 90/100