Featured titleBiography

The Best of Enemies

BiographyDramaHistory

Civil rights activist Ann Atwater faces off against C.P. Ellis, Exalted Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan, in 1971 Durham, North Carolina over the issue of school integration.

Year

2019

Duration

2h 13m

IMDb

7.3

Poster Feed

Cast

Robin Bissell

Director

Taraji P. Henson

Ann Atwater

Sam Rockwell

C.P. Ellis

Cast

Robin Bissell

Director

Taraji P. Henson

Ann Atwater

Sam Rockwell

C.P. Ellis

Babou Ceesay

Bill Riddick

Anne Heche

Mary Ellis

Wes Bentley

Floyd Kelly

Nick Searcy

Garland Keith

Bruce McGill

Carvie Oldham

John Gallagher Jr.

Lee Tromblay

Nicholas Logan

Wiley Yates

Gilbert Glenn Brown

Howard Clement

Caitlin Mehner

Maddy Mays

Dolan Wilson

Councilman Bill Atkins

Morgan Mackey

Young Mother

Kendall Ryan Sanders

Ben Butler

Chris Cavalier

Leonard

Malerie Grady

Singing White Woman

Ryan Dinning

Jeb

Najah Jackson

Operation Breakthrough Staffer

Robin Bissell

Writer

OG

Osha Gray Davidson

Writer

Trailer

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Comments

10 Comments

Paoline ADAJul 3, 2025

version française svp

Nuha’s DesignJun 5, 2025

MlleIsaJun 5, 2025

WhitneyBabyJun 5, 2025

Lolitaps PiankeDec 11, 2024

Just the movie we need right now. Restored my faith in humanity. If this kind of goal could be accomplished in 1971, there's hope for us in 2019.

inaya MiraniJul 29, 2024

source: The Best of Enemies

Aliou-1erJul 26, 2024

A moving and true story brilliantly brought to light by Rockwell and Henson. The characters are well cast and well acted, the leads have great chemistry, and the story is moving. It hits some deep topics in an easy to handle way and ends on a hopeful note, which I appreciate. Love seeing the real people at the end.

𝐴𝑟𝑚𝑦_𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑦𝑎Jul 23, 2024

The people who say it has been boosted for Hollywood need to stop giving marvel films 9/10. It was exactly to the point and storyline probably could done with more violence but its a beautiful story. Simple and effective Must watch

AMEN@12Jul 23, 2024

The Best of Enemies has some truly captivating messages and storytelling, but its presentation of the segregation debate can get lost with the lack of background insight. Still, the excellent performances here carry over some of the weaker writing. Anyone interested in docu-dramas might want to check this out. The film centers on the most unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater (Taraji P. Henson), an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis (Sam Rockwell), a local Ku Klux Klan leader. The two reluctantly battle over the desegregation of schools in Durham, NC during the one of the nation's racially-charged turning points. C.P. slowly feels drawn towards Atwater's commitment to her people and becomes a frenemy. Can love trump hate? First, Taraji P. Henson, is fantastic as Ann Atwater with her acerbic nature, but heartfelt fight for the poor and oppressed. She respectfully handles the rebellious, yet kind-hearted nature of the real-life figure. But, the drama's center comes from Sam Rockwell, as C.P. Ellis, who is my favorite character despite playing an initially despicable figure. His redemption is naturally done, and the messages never feel forced here. The two really work well off each other, and their chemistry is hilarious to watch. Babou Ceesay, as Bill Riddick, gives another great performance with his contributions to the segregation debate being another interesting learning experience. Robin Bussell spectacularly writes and directs with the events presented in a clear, chronological order. But the pacing can be lost amongst this, as the film really stalls when juggling multiple real-life figures. It's the individual moments that stick, because she knows how to write human and relatable characters. The racial tension feels real here, as did the moments of unity. My favorite scene is the final verdict as the scene is filmed so well, leaving the audience unnerved at each person's decision. Still, it's C. P.'s monologue that sells the scene, which I just can't spoil. Seeing is believing. However, in addition to many moments of rocky pacing, the movie's focus on other characters, especially Atwater, is quite minimal and scattershot at times. C. P.'s development is forefront and that's understandable given he is the most complex character. I would have loved to see more personal looks at other characters. The message of this film is that love is the greatest asset in any debate. We can all learn to reconcile our difference and just love each other. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18 due to mature themes and racist language. Reviewed by Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, visit kidsfirst dot org.

🤴🏻 Aku = Rana = 🤴🏻Jul 23, 2024

A solid supporting cast and fantastic set and costume design help create a town that feels utterly authentic to the time and place. Predictability and issues with pacing and balance are swept aside by an incredible true story bolstered by strong performances from Sam Rockwell and Taraji P. Henson. It's a little graceless and heavy handed in its delivery at certain points but the final product is a genuine, relevant and touching film.