The Best of Enemies

THE GIST: When the only school for black kids burns down, the issue of school desegregation becomes an urgent matter, bringing civil rights activist Ann Atwater face to face with the open racism and hostility of the white population, personified by local Ku Klux Klan leader C.P. Ellis.

The Best of Enemies is a very good movie that, unfortunately, feels that much more timely now with all the unrest across the nation brought on by the continued murdering of black people by white police officers.

Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell are perfectly cast and give wonderful performances. Of note also Anne Heche, Wes Bentley, and Bruce McGill.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Many movies deal with the issue of racism and they're often very instructional. This is one of them, and, like I always say, should be required viewing in every school and legislative hall in the country. Full stop.

Grade: 8