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The Best of Enemies

Play trailer 2:31 Poster for The Best of Enemies PG-13 Released Apr 5, 2019 2h 13m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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51% Tomatometer 82 Reviews 77% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
The true story of the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater, an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local Ku Klux Klan leader. During the racially charged summer of 1971, Atwater and Ellis come together to co-chair a community summit on the desegregation of schools in Durham, N.C. The ensuing debate and battle soon lead to surprising revelations that change both of their lives forever.
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Critics Consensus

The Best of Enemies has the best of intentions, but they're derailed by a problematic perspective and a disappointing lack of insight.

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Critics Reviews

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Peter Rainer FilmWeek (LAist) It's predictable and conventional, but it has some powerful moments. Sep 27, 2019 Full Review Barry Hertz Globe and Mail But like Peter Farrelly's road-trip dramedy, Bissell's film stretches and flattens history in ways big and small. Rated: 2/4 Apr 12, 2019 Full Review Andrea Gronvall Chicago Reader Comparisons will inevitably be made to Green Book for its upbeat vibe, but in terms of serious craft and admirable aspirations, this film is more in the league of 42 and Selma. Apr 11, 2019 Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies The film is driven by two equally big yet equally fabulous performances. Rated: 4/5 Aug 19, 2022 Full Review M.N. Miller Ready Steady Cut The Hollywood studio system has taken civil rights films in the direction of the exploitation genre, which doesn’t mean The Best of Enemies is bad medicine; it just makes it a placebo. Rated: 2.5/5 Aug 18, 2022 Full Review Josh Parham Next Best Picture The arcs are predictable and the tone never serious enough for the subject matter at hand. Rated: 4/10 Jun 4, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Rhona D Insightful movie! Thank you! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/22/24 Full Review Ken V Besides a very inspirational historical event, the acting and portrayals in this movie are just off the charts. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/18/23 Full Review Rob A A KKK chapter president and a civil rights activist clash over school integration in 1971 North Carolina. If you enjoyed Men of Honor (Robert Deniro, Cuba Gooding) you'll enjoy this. For sure! And it's a true story so you'll learn some interesting U.S. history too. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/26/24 Full Review David H I loved this film. It made me wish my dad were still around to watch it with me. I know he would have really enjoyed it. It's definitely a feel-good movie, but sometimes that's exactly what you need. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/14/23 Full Review Bryan M "What will you do when there's nothing left to fight about?" ... sums up the movie pretty well. This is a great story and everyone should see it at least once. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/21/23 Full Review John H Very interesting story with good lead actors. Gitcsoapy in parts but loved seeing the real people talk at the end . Bravery comes in many unexpected people Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Robin Bissell

Director

Taraji P. Henson

Ann Atwater

Sam Rockwell

C.P. Ellis

Babou Ceesay

Bill Riddick

Nick Searcy

Garland Keith

Wes Bentley

Floyd Kelly

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The Best of Enemies

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The Best of Enemies

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Movie Info

Synopsis The true story of the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater, an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local Ku Klux Klan leader. During the racially charged summer of 1971, Atwater and Ellis come together to co-chair a community summit on the desegregation of schools in Durham, N.C. The ensuing debate and battle soon lead to surprising revelations that change both of their lives forever.
Director
Robin Bissell
Producer
Danny Strong, Fred Bernstein, Matt Berenson, Robin Bissell, Dominique Telson, Tobey Maguire, Matthew Plouffe
Screenwriter
Robin Bissell
Distributor
STX Films
Production Co
Material Pictures, Astute Films
Rating
PG-13 (Racial Epithets|A Suggestive Reference|Some Violence|Thematic Material)
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 5, 2019, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 18, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA)
$10.2M
Runtime
2h 13m
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