Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Romantic drama about the psychological impact of WWII; sex.
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Enemies, a Love Story
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ENEMIES, A LOVE STORY tells the story of Herman (Ron Silver), a Jewish refugee from Poland who now resides in New York with his wife Yadwiga (Malgorzata Zajaczkowska). However, Herman is also having an affair with his mistress, Masha (Lena Olin). And if Herman didn't already have too much on his plate, his first wife Tamara (Anjelica Huston) arrives in the United States, having been presumed dead.
Is It Any Good?
At first glance, this 1989 Oscar-nominated movie looks like a standard romantic drama where a man gets caught up in a series of affairs. However, Enemies, a Love Story is enriched by its peppering of socio-political context. The characters at the core of this tale are Jewish refugees who fled Europe during World War II in a bid to start a new life in New York. So many of their actions, and their flaws, can be squared back to their tumultuous past, making them multilayered, complicated, yet realistic people. Take the lead character, Herman, for example, performed strongly by Silver. An adulterer who cheats on three different women at the same time, the audience can't help but feel some empathy toward him, attempting to understand the complexities that exist within his mind and his world. The film does drag on in parts, and begins to feel a little one-note. But it remains a perfectly accomplished piece with strong performances across the board (both Huston and Olin received Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Enemies, a Love Story portrayed sex and relationships. Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How was Jewish life depicted in the movie? In what ways were the community still dealing with the aftermath of World War II? How to talk with kids about violence, crime, and war.
Discuss the character of Herman. Did you like him? Why, or why not? Did some of his past experiences explain some his behavior? If so, in what ways?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 13, 1989
- On DVD or streaming : May 13, 2019
- Cast : Ron Silver , Lena Olin , Anjelica Huston
- Director : Paul Mazursky
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , History
- Run time : 119 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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