The Devil’s Own starring Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, Margaret Colin, Ruben Blades, and Treat Williams, is currently available on video from Columbia Pictures. Rated R.
The story of two men bound by destiny is played out when a young IRA leader befriends a New York City police officer in the film The Devil’s Own.
The plot unfolds as a young Rory Devaney witnesses the murder of his father. Later the adult Rory (Brad Pitt) travels from Belfast to New York City to buy weapons on the black market. While in the States, Devaney stays in the home of family man and veteran police officer, Tom O’Meara (Harrison Ford), who knows nothing of Rory’s dark background.
As the only man in a household of four women, Tom enjoys the company of his guest, and displays his fondness for Rory by asking him to join in a group photo with he and his partner (Reuben Blades).
Some tender moments occur when Devaney comforts the upset youngest O’Meara daughter.
Soon, however, Devaney’s criminal connections bring trouble upon both his hosts and himself when he decides to back out of his black market purchase agreement. Meanwhile, O’Meara discovers Devaney’s money-for-arms deal and arrests him. The film explores the conflicts between the loyalties, sense of duty, and private convictions of these two men as they are drawn toward an inescapable conclusion.
Ford, as usual, plays his part convincingly. Pitt easily masters his role, up to and including the Irish accent.
Anita Frullani
