{"id":3970,"date":"2019-04-08T17:23:30","date_gmt":"2019-04-09T00:23:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=3970"},"modified":"2019-04-09T12:42:03","modified_gmt":"2019-04-09T19:42:03","slug":"the-best-of-enemies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2019\/the-best-of-enemies\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best of Enemies \u2013 Captivating Messages and Storytelling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/thebestofenemies.jpg?resize=152%2C225&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3971\" width=\"152\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/thebestofenemies.jpg?resize=203%2C300&amp;ssl=1 203w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/thebestofenemies.jpg?w=675&amp;ssl=1 675w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 152px) 100vw, 152px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Arjun N. comments, \u201c<em>The Best of Enemies <\/em>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.\u201d Katherine S. adds, \u201cI really enjoyed <em>The Best of Enemies<\/em>. The movie shows a lot of anger and humor between two enemies who oddly share very common goals in life &#8211; family, faith and education.\u201d&nbsp; See their full reviews below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Best of Enemies <br>\nBy\nArjun Nair, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mCUDe2nqiBo?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.b..jpg?resize=225%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3974\" width=\"225\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.b..jpg?resize=300%2C222&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.b..jpg?resize=768%2C568&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.b..jpg?w=960&amp;ssl=1 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>(L-R) Sam Rockwell, Babou Ceesay and Taraji P. Henson star in THE BEST OF ENEMIES<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The Best of\nEnemies <\/em>has\nsome truly captivating messages and storytelling, but its presentation of the\nsegregation debate can get lost with the lack of background insight. Still, the excellent performances here carry over\nsome of the weaker writing. Anyone interested in docu-dramas might want to check\nthis out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s racially-charged turning points. C.P. slowly feels drawn towards Atwater\u2019s commitment to her people and becomes a frenemy. Can love trump hate?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, Taraji P.\nHenson, is fantastic as Ann Atwater with her acerbic nature, but heartfelt\nfight for the poor and oppressed. She respectfully handles the rebellious, yet\nkind-hearted nature of the real-life figure. But, the drama\u2019s center comes from\nSam Rockwell, as C.P. Ellis, who is my favorite character despite playing an\ninitially despicable figure. His redemption is naturally done, and the messages\nnever feel forced here. The two really work well off each other, and their\nchemistry is hilarious to watch. Babou Ceesay, as Bill Riddick, gives another\ngreat performance with his contributions to the segregation debate being\nanother interesting learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.c.jpg?resize=225%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3972\" width=\"225\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.c.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.c.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.c.jpg?w=960&amp;ssl=1 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>Taraji P. Henson (RIGHT) stars in THE BEST OF ENEMIES<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Robin Bussell spectacularly writes and directs with the events presented\nin a clear, chronological order. But the pacing can be lost amongst this, as\nthe film really stalls when juggling multiple real-life figures. It\u2019s the\nindividual moments that stick, because she knows how to write human and\nrelatable characters. The racial tension feels real here, as did the moments of\nunity. My favorite scene is the final verdict as the scene is filmed so well,\nleaving the audience unnerved at each person\u2019s decision. Still, it\u2019s C. P.\u2019s\nmonologue that sells the scene, which I just can\u2019t spoil. Seeing is believing.\nHowever, in addition to many moments of rocky pacing, the movie\u2019s focus on\nother characters, especially Atwater,\nis quite minimal and scattershot at times. C. P.\u2019s development is forefront and\nthat\u2019s understandable given he is the most complex character.\nI would have loved to see more personal looks at other characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. The movie releases in theaters April 5, <sup>&nbsp;<\/sup>2019, so check it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Best of Enemies<br>By Katherine Schell, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zZa5tTNrEqQ?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I really\nenjoyed <em>The Best of Enemies<\/em>. The\nmovie shows a lot of anger and humor between two enemies who oddly share very\ncommon goals in life &#8211; family, faith and education.&nbsp; The movie is based on a true story and shows\nthe audience what life might have been like in the 1970s in North Carolina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.a.jpg?resize=225%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3975\" width=\"225\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.a.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.a.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.a.jpg?w=960&amp;ssl=1 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>(L-R) Gilbert Glenn Brown, Taraji P. Henson, Nick Searcy and Sam Rockwell star in THE BEST OF ENEMIES<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Ann Atwater\nis a poor, black single mother living in Durham,\n N.C. in 1971. C.P. Ellis is the\npresident of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).&nbsp;\nWhen the black children\u2019s school is damaged by fire, Ann wants the black\nchildren to attend the same school as the white children and learns that the\nblack children are not getting as good of an education.&nbsp; Ann and C.P. then spend their time convincing\nothers to be on their own side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The acting is\nterrific.&nbsp; Taraji P. Henson plays Ann\nAtwater and shows a variety of outstanding emotions from her voice, to her\nwalk.&nbsp; C.P. Ellis is played by Sam\nRockwell and his acting is incredible also. I wanted to hate him, but still\nliked him because he is such a good father, especially to his special-needs\nson. Ann Atwater is my favorite character because she adds a lot of humorous\ncomments right after saying something really serious.&nbsp; My favorite part of the movie is the ending \u2013\nbut no spoilers here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.d.jpg?resize=225%2C179&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3973\" width=\"225\" height=\"179\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.d.jpg?resize=300%2C238&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.d.jpg?resize=768%2C610&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bestenemies.d.jpg?w=960&amp;ssl=1 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>Sam Rockwell stars in THE BEST OF ENEMIES<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The key\nmessage of <em>The Best of Enemies<\/em> is\nthat change is worth fighting for.&nbsp; If\nyou see something that you think is wrong change it, even if it\u2019s going to be\nreally hard.&nbsp; The movie has mild\nprofanity, some violence and deals with a very serious topic \u2013 the inequality\nof segregation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give the\nmovie a 4 out of 5 stars.&nbsp; It is appropriately\nrated PG-13 and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, as well as adults.&nbsp; This movie opens in theaters April 5, 2019.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Arjun N. comments, \u201cThe 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.\u201d Katherine S. adds, \u201cI really enjoyed The Best of Enemies. The movie shows a lot of anger and humor between two enemies who oddly share very common goals in life &#8211; family, faith and education.\u201d  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[15],"tags":[216,166,215,214,219,218,217],"class_list":["post-3970","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-ann-atwater","tag-arjun-nair","tag-c-p-ellis","tag-ku-klux-klan","tag-robin-bussell","tag-sam-rockwell","tag-taraji-p-henson"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-122","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3970","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3970"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3970\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3979,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3970\/revisions\/3979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3970"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3970"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}