Day 112: "Don't look for a happy ending. It's not an American story. It's an Irish one."

The 1997 movie The Devil's Own is a hard look at the bonds that are forged by nationality, friendship and family.  Every one of these bonds is tested to their breaking points by the characters involved, and had me asking myself how far I would go to preserve them myself.  The story is a bit on the convoluted side, as it involves an IRA terrorist coming to the United States to lay low and purchase some weapons for the soldiers back home.  He is staying in the family home of an Irish New York cop, who has no idea of his houseguest's identity.  The cop is involved in a shooting incident that strains the relationship with his partner.  Finally, the cop and the terrorist are developing a close friendship throughout.  Got it?  Good.  Very heavy on the drama throughout, there is little humor or feel good material here, but it remains a solid, watchable film. 

Harrison Ford is Tom O'Meara, the NY cop who likes his job, and is apparently one of the only honest ones currently employed by the NYPD.  Ford plays O'Meara as a man devoted to the sanctity of family and the bonds of trust.  When that is betrayed, his world gets turned upside down.  Brad Pitt does an admirable attempt at a heavy Irish accent, and is believable as IRA soldier Francis McGuire.  This is a man who is as devoted to his beloved country as O'Meara is to his family.  Again, betrayal is high on his list of iron-clad no-no's.  With a supporting cast of veteran actors (Ruben Blades, Margaret Colin, Treat Williams, and Simon Jones) the acting is not an issue.  Even a small role for, then, newcomer Julia Stiles is done well.

I wanted to like this a whole lot more, but the constant reminders of loyalty and betrayal were just overpowering.  A good drama, it is worth a viewing, especially if you are a Brad Pitt fan.  Harrison Ford fans, he has done better, and you may want to look elsewhere for your Ford fix (might I recommend Witness or The Fugitive), if you aren't in the mood for Indy or Han.  6.75/10.

See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!