The Best of Enemies

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The Best of Enemies

PG-13

2019

2h 13m

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

51%

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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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Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (LAist)

Sep 27, 2019

It's predictable and conventional, but it has some powerful moments.

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Barry Hertz

Globe and Mail

Apr 12, 2019

2/4

But like Peter Farrelly's road-trip dramedy, Bissell's film stretches and flattens history in ways big and small.

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Andrea Gronvall

Chicago Reader

Apr 11, 2019

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.

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

Aug 19, 2022

4/5

The film is driven by two equally big yet equally fabulous performances.

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M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

Aug 18, 2022

2.5/5

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.

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Josh Parham

Next Best Picture

Jun 4, 2022

4/10

The arcs are predictable and the tone never serious enough for the subject matter at hand.

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Teddie L

@Teddielaframboise Aug 7, 2026

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Sam Rockwell is fabulous. I think he should have been nominated for best actor. It gives you a new perspective on the Klu Klux Klan and the people in it. It also reminds us of the times that are easy to forget or even be aware of in Canada.

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Chris B

@Papa13070 Jun 2, 2026

I'm never surprised by Sam Rockwell; always a performance to admire, and this movie is no different. Taraji P. Henson is without doubt the star here and she plays her character beautifully. Both leads drew me in to their individual "story" and, knowing this was based on a true story, I found it both deeply upsetting and equally uplifting. A story that was very well told throughout and supported by a super cast that had me enthralled from the start. An aspect of humanity that is thoroughly abhorrent told by two sides simultaneously and told with a passion that can only be commended.

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Jose C

@Ramses16 Jan 11, 2026

Great movie, it sincerely depics the racial tension of the times, also brings hope to audiences every where.

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Rob A

@RT76386004 Oct 16, 2023

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.

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David H

@DavidQHarris Oct 14, 2023

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.

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Bryan M

@RT29456179 Aug 21, 2023

"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.

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Robin Bissell

Director

Taraji P. Henson

Ann Atwater

Sam Rockwell

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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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