Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- tense
- brooding
- fatalistic
- 1990s thriller night
- political thriller double feature
What critics said
Critics found the film a mixed, character-driven terrorism thriller elevated by Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford but weakened by contrived plotting and a shallow treatment of Northern Irish history.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Frankie/Rory embeds himself in Tom O'Meara's family while concealing his identity and mission.
The friendship between an American police officer and an IRA assassin is shaped by the Troubles and terrorism.
Frankie must choose between pursuing armed revenge and accepting the promise of peace.
New York streets, police work, family interiors, and clandestine weapons dealings form the film's visual and dramatic terrain.
Films like The Devil's Own, and why
Patriot Games
shared political terrorism, morally conflicted assassins, urban suspense, and character-driven thriller structure
The Crying Game
shared IRA-related crime, divided loyalties, Northern Irish political conflict, and tense thriller atmosphere
The Siege
shared New York police drama, terrorism plot, grounded action, and morally ambiguous protagonists
Movie Details
- Director
- Alan J. Pakula
- Release Date
- 1997-03-13
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (1413)
Cast
- Harrison Ford
- Brad Pitt
- Margaret Colin
- Rubén Blades
- Treat Williams
- George Hearn
- Mitchell Ryan
- Natascha McElhone
- Paul Ronan
- Simon Jones
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Devil's Own about?
- An IRA assassin hiding in a New York policeman’s home finds his mission imperiled by an unexpected bond with the family sheltering him.
- What is The Devil's Own like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Devil's Own as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Devil's Own violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Devil's Own as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Devil's Own?
- Critics found the film a mixed, character-driven terrorism thriller elevated by Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford but weakened by contrived plotting and a shallow treatment of Northern Irish history.
- Which films are like The Devil's Own?
- Films with a similar feel include Patriot Games, The Crying Game, and The Siege.
- How long is The Devil's Own?
- The Devil's Own runs 107 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Devil's Own?
- In United States, The Devil's Own streams on Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel.
