Review of The Devil's Own (1997) by Matthew D — 27 Sep 2018

A cop's crisis of conscience is at the heart of The Devil's Own.

Alan J. Pakula directed this excellent thriller with a deft eye for intriguing shots and suspenseful action. Behind the hail of bullets and tender conversations is an empathy for both the IRA and the NYPD's motives. The Devil's Own (1997) is a testament to ethics, morality, and justice. All the bloodshed is not worth the wasted lives that die in their causes. Despite the film's lack of backstory for The Troubles in Ireland or the IRA, it gets to the heart of how people justify their actions.

I found The Devil's Own a fascinating character study of Harrison Ford's police officer and Brad Pitt's IRA terrorist commander. You see how Pitt warms up to Ford's family and lifestyle. It makes you think of how Pitt's character is thrust into his life rather than choosing it. I do not think the criticisms of The Devil's Own hold water. It is not trying to be a historical documentary about the IRA, it is a thriller and a brilliantly executed one at that.

Pitt's Irish accent is pretty good, despite him improving and polishing his accent in Snatch (2000). I found his acting quite compelling as he carries you through each scene with a cool confidence impressive for such a young actor. Ford gives one of his rare passionate performances wherein he actually tries. I liked the dynamic between the two men in the lead and how they juxtapose different sides of the law.

Overall, perhaps this movie is not the best representation of the IRA, but The Devil's Own is an entertaining movie to the last. Gripping shootouts, tearful performances, heavy drama, and ethical dilemmas elevate The Devil's Own to one of my favorite Brad Pitt films.