The Best of Enemies (2019)

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In the ending of "The Best of Enemies," Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis come to a mutual understanding and respect after their intense conflict over school desegregation in Durham, North Carolina. The film concludes with Ann continuing her activism and C.P. reflecting on his past, ultimately choosing to reject the hate he once embraced.

As the film approaches its conclusion, the tension surrounding the school desegregation issue reaches a boiling point. The community is divided, and the stakes are high. Ann Atwater, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, is deeply committed to fighting for the rights of Black children to receive an equal education. She is passionate, fierce, and unyielding in her beliefs, driven by her own experiences and the injustices she has witnessed.

C.P. Ellis, played by Sam Rockwell, is a former Exalted Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan, who initially opposes Ann's efforts. However, as the film progresses, he begins to confront his own prejudices and the impact of his past actions. The pivotal moment comes during the charrette, where community members gather to discuss the future of the schools. Ann and C.P. are forced to work together, and through their interactions, they begin to see each other as human beings rather than just representatives of opposing sides.

In the final scenes, after the charrette concludes, the decision is made to integrate the schools. Ann is elated, knowing that her hard work has paid off, but she also understands that the fight for equality is far from over. C.P., on the other hand, faces the consequences of his past affiliations. He is ostracized by his former Klan members, who do not accept his change of heart. This moment is crucial as it signifies his transformation and the internal struggle he has faced throughout the film.

The film closes with a poignant scene where Ann and C.P. meet again after some time has passed. They share a moment of genuine connection, acknowledging the journey they have both taken. Ann continues her activism, while C.P. seeks redemption for his past actions. The final images show them both moving forward, symbolizing hope and the possibility of change, even in the face of deep-seated hatred and division.

In summary, the ending of "The Best of Enemies" encapsulates the themes of understanding, redemption, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Ann Atwater emerges as a steadfast advocate for civil rights, while C.P. Ellis chooses a path of acceptance and growth, illustrating the film's message about the power of empathy and the potential for change in even the most unlikely of relationships.

The movie "The Best of Enemies," produced in 2019, does not have a post-credit scene. The film concludes its narrative without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The story wraps up with a focus on the real-life events and the impact of the characters' actions, particularly highlighting the relationship between Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis, and the changes they inspired in their community regarding school desegregation. The ending emphasizes the themes of understanding, reconciliation, and the power of unlikely friendships, leaving the audience with a sense of closure on the story presented.

Ann Atwater, a civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a former Exalted Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan, start as adversaries due to their opposing beliefs about race and education. Initially, they are deeply entrenched in their respective views, with Ann fighting for the integration of schools and C.P. representing the white supremacist perspective. However, as they are forced to work together on a charrette to decide the future of their community's schools, their relationship evolves. They begin to understand each other's backgrounds and struggles, leading to a profound transformation in C.P.'s views and a mutual respect that develops between them.

The charrette process serves as a pivotal point in the film, bringing together a diverse group of community members to discuss the future of school integration. For Ann, it is an opportunity to advocate for the rights of black children and push for change in a deeply segregated system. For C.P., it is a challenge that forces him to confront his prejudices and the realities of his beliefs. The intense discussions and confrontations during the charrette reveal the deep-seated fears and biases of the participants, but also create a space for dialogue and understanding, ultimately leading to personal growth for both Ann and C.P.

Ann Atwater faces numerous personal struggles throughout the film, including the challenges of being a single mother in a racially charged environment. She grapples with the systemic racism that affects her community and the education of her children. Ann's determination to fight for civil rights often puts her at odds with the prevailing attitudes of the time, leading to threats and hostility from those who oppose her. Despite these challenges, her resilience and commitment to her cause drive her to confront powerful figures and advocate for change, showcasing her strength and vulnerability.

C.P. Ellis's change of heart is catalyzed by several key events during the charrette and his interactions with Ann Atwater. Initially, he is resistant to the idea of integration and clings to his Klan beliefs. However, as he listens to Ann's passionate arguments and witnesses the struggles of black families, he begins to question his own prejudices. A pivotal moment occurs when he learns about the impact of segregation on children, particularly when he sees the pain it causes in his own community. His growing friendship with Ann, coupled with personal experiences that challenge his worldview, ultimately leads him to renounce his former beliefs and embrace a more inclusive perspective.

The film portrays systemic racism as a pervasive force that affects every aspect of life in the community, particularly in education. Through the experiences of Ann Atwater and the families she represents, the audience sees the stark disparities in resources, opportunities, and treatment between black and white students. The film highlights the emotional toll that segregation takes on children and parents alike, illustrating how deeply ingrained racism shapes their daily lives. The charrette serves as a microcosm of the larger societal issues, revealing the fears, biases, and resistance to change that exist within the community, while also showcasing the potential for dialogue and understanding to foster progress.

"The Best of Enemies" is a drama based on true events that explores themes of racism, segregation, and social justice. While it carries an important message, there are several potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects that may not be suitable for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Racial Tension and Conflict: The film depicts the deep-seated racial divide in the 1970s, showcasing instances of racism and hostility between different communities, which may be distressing.

2. Violence and Threats: There are scenes that involve threats of violence and confrontations that reflect the intense emotions surrounding the civil rights movement, which could be unsettling.

3. Emotional Struggles: Characters experience significant emotional turmoil, including fear, anger, and despair, particularly in relation to their experiences with racism and injustice.

4. Discussions of Hate and Prejudice: The dialogue includes discussions about hate, prejudice, and the impact of systemic racism, which may be heavy and difficult for younger audiences to process.

5. Tragic Backstories: Some characters have tragic personal histories that are revealed, which may evoke sadness or discomfort.

Overall, while the film aims to convey a message of understanding and reconciliation, its themes and content may be challenging for younger viewers or those sensitive to issues of race and conflict.