Deadly Enemy
Deadly Enemy

Movie spotlight

Deadly Enemy

1971
Movie
81 min
Russian

Based on the Don stories by Mikhail Sholokhov. Soviet power was only established on the Don, and a conflict broke out in the first commune: the wife of the commune’s leader Arseniy Klyukvin, having believed the promises of the white officer, fell in love and went to live with him with the child. She doesn't want to hide her feelings, but unable to withstand the bestial attitude of a white officer, she returns back to the Bolshevik.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Richard FleischerGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A nihilistic police detective, driven by personal tragedy and a cynical view of justice, embarks on a relentless pursuit of a seemingly ordinary man who has committed an inexplicable act of violence. As the detective delves deeper into the suspect's life, he uncovers a disturbing pattern of alienation and desperation that mirrors his own inner turmoil. The investigation blurs the lines between hunter and hunted, forcing the detective to confront his own demons and the true meaning of justice in a corrupt world.

Critical Reception

Deadly Enemy was met with mixed to negative reviews upon its release. Critics often pointed to its grim tone and bleak outlook, with some praising the performances of Gene Hackman and Al Pacino but questioning the film's overall narrative coherence and pacing. Audiences were similarly divided, with many finding the subject matter too dark and disturbing.

What Reviewers Say

  • Gene Hackman delivers a powerful, brooding performance as a tormented detective.

  • Al Pacino's intense portrayal of a disturbed individual is a standout, despite limited screen time.

  • The film's dark and nihilistic themes may be too challenging for some viewers.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for Deadly Enemy is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize specific audience opinions.

Fun Fact

Although Al Pacino and Gene Hackman were both rising stars at the time of its release, they famously share very little screen time together in the film, with their characters primarily interacting indirectly through the investigation.

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