Great period pictures make you feel as if you've stepped into another era, heard its language, breathed its spirit, and come away with a fresh perspective on that time as well as your own.
Ride with the Devil is one of those special films--why wasn't it more widely embraced by reviewers and filmgoers? Did it rely too much on our patience for slow accumulation of unforced rhythms and meanings (as opposed to
The Patriot, which "moved" audiences with cattle-prod simplicity and manipulation)?
Ride with the Devil--smart, handsome, tenderly awed by how individual lives get ambushed by history--is ripe for rediscovery.
The Civil War of battlefields and plantation houses is nowhere to be seen here. Instead we see the war as an improvised and largely blundering but very bloody feud among neighbors in the border state of Missouri. In this bucolic war zone--more than a little reminiscent of the Balkans in the late 1990s--the Taiwanese-born director Ang Lee (Sense and Sensibility) traces the destinies of several young Southern bushwhackers (guerrilla fighters) as they experience violence, the seasons, and different kinds of love. Skeet Ulrich draws the aristocratic glamour role (and top billing), but he's overshadowed by Tobey Maguire as a first-generation American, the magnificent Jeffrey Wright (a shameful oversight at Oscar time) as a freed slave fighting beside his former master, and singer Jewel in a very natural acting debut as the young widow who graces all their lives. The title The Birth of a Nation was already taken, but by the end of this movie you feel it would have applied here. -- Richard T. Jameson
1 "It ain't right and it ain't wrong - it just is."
Thus reasoned young bushwhacker Jake Roedel, (Tobey Maguire) summing up the condition of his native Missouri, torn apart by savage guerilla warfare, as neighbor fought and killed neighbor during the Civil War. This outstanding movie manages to take much the same attitude as it tells the tale of this troubling period that has usually been handled in a much more partisan manner.
The Civil War in Missouri was particularly terrible, as the loyalties and interests of the population split between the Union and the Confederacy. Few regular troops were committed to Missouri, and most of the fighting was done by roving gangs of Irregulars; Secessionist Bushwhackers and Unionist Jayhawkers. These men more often made war on those who once had been their neighbors and friends than on uniformed troops, and terrible atrocities that were more murder than war were committed by each side.
`Ride with the Devil' is an incredibly thoughtful and nuanced telling of this sad story. All of the protagonists are bushwhackers, but the movie does not attempt to paint them as pure heroes fighting against evil for all that is good and right. Instead, it manages to show them as young men who had the misfortune to be caught up in the sweep of history and forced into a violent life by unavoidable circumstances. We see the struggle some of them had between the violent actions that had become their life and their own sense of decency, and we see others enthusiastically revel in the murderous mayhem - glad for the excuse the war had given them to be free of the constraints of civilized society. One scene in particular drives home the fact that these warriors were more boys than men. Jake (Maguire) faces his new bride, a young women already widowed by the war (Jewel) in the bedroom on their wedding night. When she asks him if he is a virgin, he blusters that "I've seen plenty" and when ask again if he has been with a woman, he seems frozen with terror, and only manages to say, "Girl, I've killed fifteen men." These were boys forced to become killers before many had the chance to be lovers.
Though there were no Unionist protagonists in this film, it used an effective device to put across the humanity of the bushwhacker's enemies. A captured mailbag was plundered, and letters were read aloud as the bushwhacker's searched for enemy secrets. The letters turned out to be mundane messages from mothers to sons and brother to brother. The young men heard and acknowledge how like their own mothers and brothers these people sounded, and how in other circumstances they might find them fine people, before someone reminded them that the sons of that mother would kill them, given the chance.
`Ride with the Devil' is filmed beautifully, and is as close to being cinematically perfect as could be desired. Its scenes of violence are quick, realistic, and brutal, but the film does not dwell on them. Indeed, there are long sequences that deal with nothing but the complex interpersonal relationships of the characters, and action war movie junkies are likely to find `Ride with the Devil' a disappointment despite its realism. Tobey Maguire is perfectly cast as a shy, decent young man trying to maintain his integrity in a violent life, and Jeffery Wright is outstanding as a freed slave who fights for the bushwhackers out of loyalty to his friend who freed him. All of the roles are well cast and acted, including Jewel in her film debut as a young Confederate widow.
`Ride with the Devil' is the best done of any Civil War film that I have yet seen. It is beautifully filmed, skillfully acted, intelligently written, and tells its story with fairness and perspective. Unfortunately, its virtues are exceeded by its obscurity, as so many have never heard of it. Now that you know of it, don't cheat yourself by missing this outstanding film.
Theo Logos
2 "Ride With the Devil" a very authentic gem
I grew up on a farm in Northwest Missouri where "Ride With the Devil" was filmed. Clay County, Missouri was a hotbed for southern sympathizers and where Jesse and Frank James became notorious. This story closely parallels the outlaws lives and border wars that preceded the civil war. Everything from the costumes to the accents and colloqial expressions are dead on correct. This is NOT a western, it is a very subtle, beautifully filmed civil war drama set on the southern frontier. The people of Northwest Missouri were pioneering southerners, tough and resilient and brought their southern ways up the Missouri river from Kentucky and Virginia. This area is called "Little Dixie". The film is deftly acted by Tobey Maguire, playing "Jake Roedel" who goes through the transformation of being pulled into the conflict by circumstances. He goes from a clean cut, son of a German immigrant to an all out long-haired hell raisin' southern bushwacker rebel. He is amazing to watch. I would call Jeffrey Wrights performance Oscar-worthy. He plays the former slave "Holt". This is really more of a film than a movie, it does have action, but it is more of a period drama with the story unfolding. Jewel does a great job as the local farm widow who is helping to protect the guerillas. The cinematography is sweeping and goes through all four seasons, (watch for this)!
I can't recommend this film more, it is just brilliant!!
3 Review This
Director Ang Lee chose to follow up the excellent familial drama, The Ice Storm, with an epic Civil War film. The filmmakers put in much work to ensure that it was as historically accurate as possible. And on this end they did a wonderful job. Yet as a viewer of the film, with limited knowledge of Civil War history, many of the details seem false. Yes, there were black men who fought on the side of the South. It is true that there were many, intelligent, courageous, even good men who fought for the South as well. However, true these things are, my 21st century mind had difficulties believing them.
It goes against the grain of traditional Hollywood war, or even action, pictures. Our main characters are fighting on the losing, and wrong side. (Yes, there were many other factors contributing to the Civil War besides slavery, but this film does not get into them, and so neither shall my review.) We watch these characters commit many atrocities, including the murder of innocent people. Yet it also shows soldiers from the North commit similar atrocities. It seems more a film depicting the horrendous actions of coming-of-age men than any real declaration on the themes of the war itself.
There have been great movies made from the perspective of the wrong. These films show how even soldiers fighting on the wrong side of a war are still human. They have families, loved ones, hopes and dreams. If done well this type of film can show us the humanity in each person, and the atrocities of war. Yet in Ride with the Devil I never learned to care about any character. With few exceptions, the men we watch in this movie, are not sympathetic. Even the few with redeemable qualities are not given the space for us to care about their lives.
The story centers on a small community within the grand scale of the war. It takes place in Missouri, where literally brother fought against brother on both sides of the battle. Jake Roedel (Tobey Maguire) and Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich) play friends who run off to join a gang of outlaws fighting on the side of the South. Here they meet George Clyde (Simon Baker) and a black man named Daniel Holt (Jeffrey Wright). Holt's reasons for fighting for the slave minded are only slightly revealed toward the end. Yet it is his relationship with the other three men that make up the central theme of the film. As each of these characters learns to trust and care for Holt, they must question the sense in fighting a war bent on keeping his fellow brothers enslaved. It is to Ang Lee's credit that he uses subtle hints to follow this theme rather than pounding it in with a sledge hammer. The characters change, and evolve, but in slow, slight movement that resemble real life rather than movie life. For even at the end of the pictures no one has made new resolves with life, or changed their beliefs drastically.
The action sequences, though well directed, still fall flat. Lee is unable to stir any real emotion out of the war's central motives or the intensity of its loss. It is when Lee focuses his attention of the relationships between his characters that this film succeeds. This is not surpassing when considering Lee's earlier films were small films focused on familial relationships. The bonds that grow between Roedel and Holt are moving. The love story between Sue Lee Shelley (a surprisingly good Jewel) and her suitors (to give names would be to give too much plot away) is also a treat. In Lee's next picture, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, he found a way to entwine both beautiful action sequences and smaller, meaningful exchanges of love. Here, he seems to be still growing into this ability.
For Civil War buffs this film offers a reliable package of history. For the rest of us, it is a well made film that ultimately doesn't generate enough interest to really care.
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4 A thoughtful, visually compelling movie
This is a beautiful movie, set in a very complicated time in American history but dealing with a very simple thing: human nature. Granted, it requires a bit of an intellectual investment by the viewer, as do most of Lee's films; in fact, most movies really worth watching, and this is certainly one of them.
I found the dynamic between the Southern gentleman George Clyde (well played by Aussie Simon Baker) and his childhood friend, slave Holt (excellent Jeffrey Wright) who he had bought and freed especially poignant. The nuances of their complex and complicated relationship, which is full of mutual respect and love but at the same time cannot be removed from master-slave relationship thrust upon them by the time and place in which they live, were brilliantly done.
I particularly enjoyed (and appreciated the irony of) the scene where three Southern boys (two of whom are quite aristocratic in bearing and dress) are working hard digging into a hillside for their winter shelter, with one expounding how hard work was never his particular ambition in life, while the former slave lounges around on watch! It's small stuff like this that makes this film what it is, a brilliantly crafted snapshot of life, so raw, intense, real, moving, brutal, tragic and with such sense of periodic authenticity that it cannot but instantly transport you into the time and place. See this one, it's a gem!
5 A Good Southern Revenge Movie.
I believe this to be an accurate film on the Civil War as far as showing a hint of how the war wasn't really about slavery. But the Yankee Government trying to control the country and how they wanted to steal Southern land, money, and pride to turn the south into what it is today a [...]occupied Republic raped & pillaged by the Yankees for their own benefit and ruined for profit. The film showed how the Yankees started the fight but we Southerners are better at fighting' than they. the only thing that wasn't to accurate was the treatment of the Black fellow real Southerners don't and never acted like that towards the help we respected them just as much as they us. The Yankees would like you to believe that and so would the Liberal film industry but it is a lie slaves were treated well and they fought along side us because they wanted to, because they liked there way of life. There were also a lot of other nationalities that fought for the south like American Indians, Cubans, Jews, Irish, American Blacks, & American Mexicans. Because the Northern Yankees Had treated them badly in the past and the South was good to them and not a evil slave owning Republic like the South was made out to be, but a good Christian Republic that wanted to leave well enough alone... After all don't the winners always write History.
6 It's Worth Seeing.
I won't retell the story of this movie. Plenty of good info in earlier reivews to give you the story's flavor. I recall when the movie first hit theaters and didn't review well. So I skipped on it until it hit pay per view and wow...It's one of those movies that grabbed me and I still find much of it compelling from it's opening scene to its wonderful ending. I have had the great fortune to travel much of the area of central and west central Missouri that were the scene of the guerrilla phase of the Civil War in Missouri. Take a trip to Lexington, Glasgow, or Arrow Rock, Missouri and you'll find yourself on the set of this movie. Ang Lee's decision to film in Missouri and Kansas was the right one. The dialogue was wonderful and I think the movie does capture one of the seminal reasons that people fought for either side during the war...they did what their friends did. How many of us would have done the same.
I am certainly no film critic, but I loved this movie and I think you will too.
7 Ang Lee dabbles in the American Civil War
Ride with the Devil is set in border state Missouri during the Civil War. Because of the Missouri Compromise slavery has been allowed in the state, even though it is above the Mason-Dixon line (allowing slave-free Maine to enter the union at the same time.)
There are many inhabitants sympathetic to both the Union and to the Confederacy and both the "legitimate" government and armies and independent groups of fanatical guerilla bush-whackers alternately commit atrocities against those who oppose them.
Skeet Ulrich gets top billing as Jack Bull Chiles, who has been a Southern-sympathising friend of Tobey Maguire's Jake Roedel since childhood. Jake is the son of German immigrants and because of this (and the fact that he can read) he is looked at as an outsider by some of the other Bushwhackers. Simon Baker as George Clyde embodies his period role - he seems to be channeling George Custer and Buffalo Bill. George is accompanied by Jeffrey Wright as Daniel Holt, a black man who is seemingly out of place amongst the Southern Bushwhackers. The movie begins with him as a marginal character but by the end he is clearly one of the more important. The explanation for why a free black man would follow a group of Southern Loyalists makes sense and we see Holt grow in our eyes and the eyes of the other characters more than anyone in the film.
This group intermittently intermingles with Northern Troops and Southern Hotheads more whacko than themselves - especially Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as the brutal killer Pitt Mackeson.
Jewel is cast as a love interest, and as an actress pulls off this part, but a more talented performer likely could have added a little depth to her role. I won't spoil anything by detailing her romantic attachments, but some of the fun of this movie is in "Southern Gentlemen" trying to maintain an air of respectability around a woman while a brutal war is being waged around them.
No genre is beyond the challenge of Mr. Lee. The Civil War. Crouching Tiger. Sense and Sensibility. The Hulk. The Ice Storm. I can't wait to see what's next from this talented top-tier director.
8 Great Civil War Movie
It's not too often that I read a great book, then see the movie and think the movie is as good. This was one of those rare cases. I loved the book, and the movie was outstanding too. Tobey Maguire, Skeet Ulrich and Jewel all do a great job in this movie about the border war in Missouri and Kansas. It was one of those movies that didn't get much attention when it came out, which is a shame, because it was one of the best movies of the year.
9 Jayhawkers Exposed
Finally some balance to the border wars. Fiction, based on a composite of incidents, illustrating the failed attempt of a people to maintain their way of life in the face of German immigration and of vicious bandits posing as antislavery forces.
10 The "Lost" Tobey Maguire Movie
Despite the presence of Ang Lee at the helm, Ride with the Devil (1999) is something of an orphan. USA, the studio that produced the film, was going under at the time of its release, and so it had limited theatrical exposure; Universal subsequently picked up the DVD rights. While it's doubtful this movie would have been a box office smash, even with wider exposure, it's still worth viewing for its simply terrific cast. Many of the actors' profiles have risen significantly since 1999; in fact, probably the most recognizable "household name" in the cast back then was pop singer Jewel, trying her hand at acting.
Devil is set during the US Civil War--not among big, well-known battles, but in small, guerilla-like skirmishes waged between bands of Bushwackers (Confederate sympathizers) and Jayhawkers (Union loyalists) in the border states of Missouri and Kansas. But Devil is less concerned with the war itself than with the effects of war on the lives of ordinary people, in particular, the terrible toll it takes on the humanity of the men fighting it.
The story centers around a band of Bushwackers: affluent Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich) joins the fighting after his father is killed by Jayhawkers; out of loyalty to Chiles, his best friend Jake Rodel (Tobey Maguire) joins up also. Rodel struggles to maintain a semblance of compassion amidst the carnage, which puts him at odds with some of the other men, in particular the ruthless, bloodthirsty Pitt Mackeson (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers); because Rodel's father is a German immigrant and a Union supporter, many of the Bushwackers distrust him. Their company is led by 'Black' John Ambrose (James Caviezel) and the aristocratic George Clyde (Simon Baker). Clyde brings with him Daniel Holt (Jeffrey Wright), a slave he freed; because Clyde bought his freedom, Holt remains loyal to his former master and fights for the Confederate cause. Not surprisingly, he's derided and belittled, distrusted even more than Rodel.
Chiles, Rodel, Clyde, and Holt are thrown together in close confinement as they bunk down for the winter. Chiles begins a romance with Sue Lee Shelley (Jewel), a young widow whose family is sheltering the men; Holt and Rodel become cautious friends, a bond formed partly because of their mutual status as outsiders. Their refuge is shattered by a skirmish that ends disastrously, and once back among the other Bushwackers, Holt and Rodel visibly begin to doubt the wisdom of continuing a campaign whose purpose has become so muddled. Their ethical conflict reaches a crisis point during a brutal Bushwacker raid on the pro-Union town of Lawrence, Kansas, after which they must decide for themselves where their honor lies.
Devil is a handsome, thought-provoking film; unfortunately, it never quite seems to achieve emotional lift-off. Lee's directing style may have something to do with this: the battle scenes are filmed extremely well, but with a weird detachment--they're cerebral, when they really need to be visceral. The raid on the largely defenseless Kansas town is plainly horrific, and yet the sequence doesn't get under the viewer's skin the way it needs to; it's dispassionate rather than disturbing. The only place where Lee achieves powerful immediacy is a scene involving a gruesome amputation; a lot of other scenes could have used this kind of urgency.
To his credit, Lee wisely refrains from taking sides in the war: north and south are shown as equally capable of both mercy and barbarity. Apart from a couple of musings about the power of education and the value of individual liberty, the film mostly avoids the trap of PC soapboxing. Lee also refrains from waxing sentimental: the biggest emotional scenes are nicely underplayed-perhaps too underplayed; in his efforts to sidestep treacle, he instead verges on dry and academic. Nevertheless, he does achieve some very effective moments--a running thread involving a pilfered bag of Union mail finds its mark perfectly, as does a slyly romantic interlude near the film's end.
The strength of the movie lies in the uniformly excellent performances of its cast. Ulrich, the nominal lead, is solid and engaging as Chiles, but because the character has few inner conflicts, he's not as interesting as Rodel, whose growth has a better defined arc. Maguire is nothing short of wonderful, wholly believable as he takes Rodel from innocence to disillusionment to maturity and wisdom; he effectively conveys the contradictions of a young man, who for example, is a proficient killer but sexually almost completely ignorant.
Similarly strong is Wright. Far from a token minority, Holt is an integral part of the film--he starts out on the periphery of the cast and becomes more central as the plot unfolds. By the time the movie ends, Holt has changed so subtly but so thoroughly that he's almost a different person. Rhys-Meyers is also terrific; his Mackeson is despicable, but the actor gives him small touches of depth, especially in depicting Mackeson's spiral down into suicidal despair.
Perhaps the biggest surprise in the cast is Jewel, warmly expressive and natural in her acting debut. She's somewhat awkward in spots, but otherwise very solid, with a nice, easy screen presence--her work in the last thirty minutes or so is particularly good. Granted, Sue Lee is hardly a demanding role, but Jewel makes her imminently likable; she doesn't overdo anything, and she exhibits nice chemistry with the other actors. The rest of the cast is rounded out with a lot of small, excellent performances: Mark Ruffalo and Tom Wilkinson are particularly good; John Ales is very strong as William Quantrill, the man who provokes the raid on Lawrence.
Devil's biggest fault is that, for a war movie, it lacks sweep and energy. All the ingredients are here for a knockout film--good story, great cast, skilled director, beautiful cinematography--and yet the story unfolds at pretty much the same pitch from beginning to end, never quite achieving the highs it needs for lasting impact. An utterly unmemorable score doesn't help: apart from some traditional folk music, it's as bland and generic as canned peas, and it does nothing to enhance the film's power. Some viewers may find Devil too dry, but certainly it's worth catching to see so many gifted actors on the verge of greatness. Tobey Maguire fans in particular should not miss it.
11 This film surprised me!
It's always such a treat to find an new gem of a film, and I was surpised to find this one. I particularly enjoy period pieces so I thought I'd give this a try and I'm pleased that I did. I so loved the *language* of the film, the slightly stilted, formal manner of speaking of the time: simple words, but often perceptive. As Jake, Tobey Maguire was especially good as the very young man coming of age in violent and uncertain times. He gives a subtle performance and Jake's evolution, as he slowly begins to question his loyalties and realizes the folly of the Bushwhackers, is not something that happens magically overnight or comes to a head in some big dramatically convenient moment. The scenes in which Jake reads the stolen letters meant for the Unionists are an elegant way of letting Jake into the hearts of *the enemy* without being preachy or heavy-handed. Maguire is also surrounded by a great cast of young talent and veteran character actors, all of whom are right on the mark, especially Jeffrey Wright. Jewel was a surprise, and a pleasant one. And while it's a drama, here and there are touches of sly humor in the film that work very well. Ag Lee crafted a fine film, and it's a shame that it didn't get much attention when it was released.
True, it's not action packed and I can well understand that its slower pace may frustrate those who are looking for a more traditional action war or western film where the emphasis is on winning the big battle and the *right* side triumphing. It's very much a dialog film. But those with a little more patience might enjoy following the story of ordinary people affected by the Civil War. It's not a perfect film, but well worth the time investment. I've not read Woe to Live On by Daniel Wordrell, the book on which this film is based, but now I'm looking forward to doing so.
12 Surprising Sleeper
A quite surprisingly good movie about the civil war told from a different angle. An amazing array of actors, all doing a superb job. Tobey Maguire doing a nicely understated portrayal of Jake. He always does a great job in his roles. For an Aussie Simon Baker effects an excellent portrayal of a southern, somewhat rogueish, gentleman. For an Irish lad with a beautiful brogue from County Cork, Jonathan Rhys Meyers portrays southerner "Pitt" very convincingly. Of course he is always excellent as troubled, menacing characters. It would be refreshing to see him in some lighter fare, where his character is not even as brooding as in "Bend It Like Beckham" (also excellent). I barely recognized Jonathan Brandis, he was all grown up - I will miss what kind of actor he would have become, may he finally rest in peace.
I am surprised that this movie wasn't properly released in the US & Canada given the talent that is in it. If you are a fan of any one of the actors in this movie, give it a chance. I suspect you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I was to find a movie worth renting on it's own merit. Enjoy!
13 Ang Lee's meditation on friendship during the Civil War
Missouri was one of the slave states that was kept in the Union during the Civil War and since it was on the far side of the Mississippi River it was not really part of the Western Theater of the war. As the critical part of the Anaconda Plan the Union armies were seeking control of the Mississippi, which explained why Grant was fighting his way from Tennessee to Vicksburg while Farragut took New Orleans. In fact, there really was not an organized Confederate army in Missouri, which explains why the young Southern men in "Ride with the Devil" join the Irregulars, who waged guerrilla warfare against Union loyalists. In this part of the war we do not talk about great battles, but rather the infamous raid that torched Lawrence, Kansas on August 21, 1863 as Quantrill's raiders murdered the pro-Union jayhawks.
The story here focus on six young men who join the bushwackers: Jake Roedel (Tobey Maguire), a first generation American who wants to be considered as much a Southerner as any one else even though his father can from Germany (which means he is called "Dutchy"); Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich), who hates the Yankees and has seen his family killed; George Clyde (Simon Baker-Denny), a gentleman fighting to preserve a way of life that is going to be gone with the wind; Daniel Holt (Jeffrey Wright), an ex-slave who fights besides Clyde because the man freed him; Pitt Mackeson (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), who is a sadist who glories in killing; and Black John (James Caviezel), almost as brutal but more driven by anger and revenge.
The idea in "Ride with the Devil" is that when America went to war with itself in 1861 the young boys growing up in Missouri and Kansas were suddenly forced into a less than honorable manhood overnight. Consequently, one of the first casualties of the war was their innocence. In 1987 Missouri-born author Daniel Woodrell wrote his Civil War-era novel "Woe to Live On." For Ang Lee the appeal was the drama of young people coming of age in the worst possible time in American history and the theme of self-emancipation. The principal actors were put through three weeks of "boot camp" to capture the way the war dehumanized the young men forced to fight it.
This film start out focusing on the friendship between Jake and Bull as much as it is on anything else, but then while hiding out from the Yankees during the winter Bull takes a liking to Sue Lee Shelly (Jewel), a young widow woman who is helping to provide them with food. Having lost both his father and his best friend, Jake continues to fight because that is what he is supposed to be doing and starts to connect with two other characters in ways that will eventually change his life. After the Lawrence Raid it is clear that the war is going to be lost and a young man who has not even seen twenty years realizes he is lost as well.
Certainly "Ride with the Devil" is a beautiful film with the sense of period authenticity you would expect from Lee. It is not really a movie about the Civil War any more than "Cold Mountain" is (an obvious comparison), but more about the friendships that take place during a war. It is just not clear that this is the central theme because our expectations are raised by more standard plot considerations (love and revenge) that do not get played out the way you would think. There is also a sense in which Roedel is the least interesting character of the bunch, yet he emerges as the central figure and the most important gun in the film is perhaps the one that is not fired.
14 Excellent and underrated
Apparently, USA, which produced this film, was going under at the time of its release and it was show in only 14 theaters. This is a beautiful, emotionally engaging and entertaining film capturing a period and part of the civil war not often depicted.
Skeet Ulrich and Tobey Maguire play two Missouri teens who join a rebel group of Bushwackers (Confederate sympathizers). But this isn't a film that promotes one side or the other. Rather, it shows the similarity and familiarity between both sides.
The acting is wonderful and the story sensitive.
15 A Great Discovery
I bought this movie blind. I enjoy period flicks and, while seeing what was out there in Amazon.com land, I came across Ride With The Devil. I must admit, I know little about the stars in this movie (I did recognize MacGuire from Spiderman, and I've heard of - but not heard - Jewel), so it was a chance to spend my hard earned cash on it.
I'm glad I did.
Engulfing, exciting, suspenceful, and, most importantly, realistic. Not politically correct. Maybe that's why it didn't do well at the box office and critics panned it. But, it IS true to its time.
The border wars was a part of the Civil War that has hardly (if ever) been touched upon - that boundary where one straddles the fence. The problem was that one couldn't straddle the fence in a state like Missouri. They had to choose Yankee or Rebel. Jayhawk or Bushwack. And you feel clearly, while watching this movie, the turmoil that must have been raging in these citizen's minds and stomachs when they chose one side and a close friend or family member chose the other.
You also feel the deep sorrow and sympathy for ALL involved - North and South - no matter what side you stand for - when Jake reads the touching letter from a mother to her son, showing that these were people who had lives and loved ones waiting for them at home.
It's movies like this that brings these mid 19th century people to life, showing us that they're not just flat black and white pictures in a history book. And that is why this movie stands above so many other historical films.
I must warn you, however, that there is quite a bit of graphic violence. Believe me, you'll feel their pain!
16 Jewel was SO amazing :)
The only reason that I wanted to see this movie was because my favorite singer, Jewel was in it. The first time I saw this movie I loved it, and I still do. :o) I loved the story, the acting, the music, and everything about it. Especially Jewel. She was SO amazing as Sue Lee Shelly, and Jewel is an amazing actress (unlike other singers like Mariah Carrey and Britney Spears ^^). The other actors in the movie are excellent too. I recommend this movie to movie fans, and Jewel fans. I also loved Jewel's music video "What's Simple is True".
17 Jewel makes a film debut that is amazing
Jewel(the Singer) shines in this film as Sue Lee Shelly, a daughter who helps out Tobey Maguire(Spider-Man), Simon Baker(tv's The Guardian), Jeffrey Wright(Crime and Punishment In Suburbia) and Skeet Ulrich's(The Newton Boys) characters. lots of gunplay in this one and blood splatter. powerful and somewhat over the top with the N word. though somepeople might flinch when Maguire amputates Ulrich's arm. other great actors appear, like Jonathan Rhys Meyers(Velvet Goldmine), Mark Ruffalo(The Last Castle), James Caviezel(The Thin Red Line), Jonathan Brandis(Stephen King's IT), Thomas Guiry(Tigerland) and Tom Wilkinson(In the Bedroom).
18 A great movie
Nothing illustrates the decay of taste in America as much as the lack of support from critics for this remarkable film. By far the most important work Ang Lee has done the movie makes the top of my list in several categories. It's the best Civil War movie ever made, it's the best ride and shoot (you know, six guns and horses) movie ever made. It's the best character study of a slave ever commited to film. The performances are across the board wonderful. Simon Baker and Jeffery Wright are particularly remakarble, they're relationshp being one of the most unique and poignant I've seen in a film for decades. Even Jewel is good. What a movie. I've watched it five times since discovering it in the discount tray at my local video store. Ang Lee deserves so much credit for doing this movie. The critical community should be ashamed of giving it so little positive attention.
19 Found in the discount section
This would have normally been a movie I would not rent. Basically because it was in the $.50 rental section of our local video store. I am really glad I did!
This is a great film on the Civil War and tells the story from a very different perspective than previous mini-series and movies. A few portions of the film drag slightly, but not enough to break the tension of the story line. There is also some very graphic battle scenes alnog with the aftermath.
This is one of those movies that has been overlooked by many, including myself.
Whether you love American history or not, this film is worth the watch. I Highly recommend!
20 Not what I expected
Plodding in parts and somewhat banal, I didn't enjoy this movie. Perhaps I had higher expectations of it but I thought more could have been done with it. Dialogue was somewhat poor and the pace slow.
21 One of the best !
I very much enjoyed this movie after I incidentally came across it looking for a movie to rent.
This movie is about the First Kansas Irregular, the Bushwhakers who lead a fight of their own against the so much hated Unionists ( Jayhawkers) during the civil war.
You follow Jake Roedel's and his friend Jack Bull Chiles' journey from the time they join the Bushwhakers when they are only boys (16) all the way to the end.
Tobey Maguire as Jake gives a powerful performance.
I think this is one of the best movies set in the civil war era;
sadly this movie has been overlooked and does not get the credit it deserves.
22 Un-Civil War
Based on the novel "Woe to Live On" by Daniel Woodrell, •À?Ride with the Devil•À? opens as the American Civil War is brewing and best friends Jake Roedel (Toby Maguire) and Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich) find themselves in the middle of it when Union marauders destroy Jack's family plantation. They join the Bushwhackers, a group of guerilla-style fighters, and fight side-by-side until some of the Bushwhacker members begin to distrust Jake. Jake becomes more and more isolated from the gang as he strikes up a friendship with Holt, a former black slave who fights along side the Bushwhackers.
Jake Roedel (Tobey Maguire) is the son of a German immigrant unionist. Despite this heritage, the boy sympathizes with the confederate cause, it is not clear just why he does so other than the fact his friends are confederate sympathizers. As Jake, Tobey Maguire is the movie•À?s weak link. While the other actors are able to deliver lines in period appropriate English Maguire only manages to mangle his. His speeches come out as stilted and sound as he is reciting directly from cue cards. Maguire also seems to have the same expression on his face, one of mild bewilderment, through the entire picture.
Singer/actor Jewel provides a surprisingly good performance playing Sue Lee Shelley, Jake•À?s love interest in the film. Skeet Ulrich, Simon Baker-Denny and Jeffrey Wright also put in very good performances. The attempted romance between Jewel and Maguire feels more like a last minute add on rather than something original to the story.
As the film progresses it increasingly stresses the pointlessness of the Bushwhacker•À?s struggle. The only thing they are accomplishing is killing people; they accomplish this with startling regularity. There guerilla actions have no impact on the war. This fact comes slowly to the characters and manages to disillusion a few of them.
From a technical perspective, Ride With the Devil is nearly perfect. The attention to detail invested by Lee and his crew shows. From costumes to props, everything has the unmistakable hallmark of authenticity. The only Civil War drama able to boast an equal level of historical accuracy is Gettysburg. The movie also looks great but ultimately leaves one empty.
A good movie marred by a bad performance by Maguire
23 The Civil War in different trenches
Ride with the Devil is a wonderful and sometimes painful telling of a brutal theater of the Civil War. It was in the border states before and during the war that many outlaws were made -- the James brothers, Quantrill, Bloody Bill Anderson, and many others. Very rarely are they shown within the context of that war. Here is told the violence of the massacre of Lawrence, Kansas, and the brutality of Union forces in the state of Missouri.
The story centers around four young men (Tobey Maguire as Jake Roedel; Jack Bull Chiles played by Skeet Ulrich; George Clyde played by Simon Baker; and his former slave Holt played by Jeffrey Wright) who are forced to fight for their land and their lives against Union forces. Along the way they meet a young widow, Sue Lee Shelley, played by Jewel.
Joining up with William Clarke Quantrill, the young men learn the horrors of war and the price it often extracts. The battle scenes are intense and well done. It might be said that the story is shallow. However, a better observation might be that, except for the action, the rest of the movie is downplayed, making the characters seem more human, more real than if they were played larger than life. It is a simple story of ordinary people living their lives in the center of a chaos over which they have no control.
People who enjoy this movie might also enjoy Gettysburg or The Red Badge of Courage (both book and movie). Seeing such a movie might also lead to reading nonfiction books about the border states that played an important part in the war.
24 American history you didn't know existed...!
Ride With The Devil is a great movie that brings a part of American history that few know exist. The divided state of Missouri becomes a land for Confederate and Union Guerillas during the Civil War which allows for destruction, murder, mayhem and disorder. Several young friends join up with a band of Confederate sympathizers to defend their homelands who raid various towns of Missouri and Kansas. These friends face danger everyday from Union Jayhawkers and Union Cavalry looking to rid Confederate raiders from existance. This movie has been written from actual historic situations made famous by notorious guerilla Bloody Bill Anderson. Many of the raids and fights in this movie are taken from history to display how chaotic life was for a state that wasn't Union or Confederate.
Never short on action or violence, it covers the lifestyle and focusses on the many fears and realities faced by the people of these lands during the Civil War. Fortunately Hollywood didn't turn this serious issue into a action-packed unrealistic movie with silly stunts or 'one-liners'. No ridiculous effects or modern western movie stupidity is brought forth either! I would recommend this movie to anyone who is interested about reading about a divided state in the Civil War where blood flowed endlessly! 5 STARS!
25 pretty dull
even the fact that jrm was in this film, didnt endear itself to me! it is sooo dull!
26 Solid Drama from Ang Lee
The War Between the States was perhaps the darkest hour in the history of America; a war that pitted brother against brother and family against family and left scars that even today have not yet healed, and in all probability never will. And, as in any story about any war, beyond any historical significance it is the personal discord behind the greater conflict that creates the emotional impetus that makes it involving. It is the human element that renders the context necessary to give it perspective, which is what director Ang Lee provides in "Ride With the Devil," a Civil War drama in which he focuses on the personal travails within the broader depiction of the War itself, and along the way manages to include an examination of one of the bloodiest chapters of the War, the infamous raid on Lawrence, Kansas, by Quantrill and his raiders, which he succeeds in presenting quite objectively from the Confederate point-of-view.
In 1863, the Union influence predominates in the State of Kansas, and even across the border in neighboring Missouri, those with Confederate loyalties are finding it increasingly difficult to hold out against the encroaching Northerners, especially without the aid of what could be considered any "regular" Confederate troops. And when things begin to really heat up around their own town, Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich) and Jake Roedel (Tobey Maguire) form a band of their own and join in the fray, doing damage to the Union cause wherever it is practicable. Jack Bull and Jake do not like the War and do not like killing; but they are standing up for what they believe to be right.
There are others, however, even among their own, men like the young Pitt Mackeson (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers), who will use the conflict as a vehicle for personal gain and as nothing more than an excuse to express their own violent nature through unnecessary brutality, perpetrated in many instances against innocent victims. And so, for Jack Bull and Jake, as well as many just like them, it becomes a time in which loyalty and moral judgments will be sorely tested; a time during which their souls will be tempered in blood. And they will have to ride with the very Devil himself, against seemingly insurmountable odds.
As with all of his films, director Ang Lee approaches his story through an incisive, yet subtle examination of the traditions, cultural aspects and moral attitudes of the people and times he is depicting. And in so doing, Lee provides his audience with at least some understanding of his subject that goes beyond the actual story and ultimately offers, perhaps, a deeper grasp of the motivations that propel his characters and the drama in which they are engaged. Whether it's the traditions and customs that account for the relationship between a father and his daughters ("Eat Drink Man Woman"), the effects of class distinction ("Sense and Sensibility"), the honor and code by which a warrior lives and dies ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") or the moral ambiguities fostered by a lack of all of the above ("The Ice Storm"), Lee infuses his films with insights into the human condition that take them to a higher level. This film is no exception; and (as he does with all his films), Lee presents his story with the aid of breathtaking cinematography (in this film, by Frederick Elmes, who also did "The Ice Storm" brilliantly), which under his guidance is nothing less than visual poetry. It's that special Lee touch, and it adds a wistful, reflective sense to whatever story he is telling, which is one of the elements that make his films so memorable.
As Jake, Tobey Maguire initially brings a sense of youthful innocence to the film that contrasts so effectively with the maturity he conveys later on as the story develops, and his character along with it. Most importantly, Maguire convincingly and believably responds to the events that unfold around him, which adds to the credibility of the overall film and underscores the realism of the presentation: His stoic acceptance of death and the news of those "murdered" in the various skirmishes and battles; the moral propriety to which those he encounters adhere, even in such troubled times; the betrayal, which because of the nature of the conflict is almost commonplace; and the loyalty and beliefs to which he and his companions cling adamantly. It is all of this that Maguire achieves through his performance, and it is no small accomplishment. It is, however, the kind of studied, understated performance that is often taken for granted, which is unfortunate; work like this is worthy of acclaim, and should be recognized.
Skeet Ulrich is effective, as well, as Jack Bull, and Jewel (in her motion picture debut) turns in an engaging performance as Sue Lee Shelley. It is Jeffrey Wright, however, who stands out in a notable supporting role as Daniel Holt, as well as Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, who brings a chilling Christopher Walken-like menace to his role of Pitt. Also, in what amounts to a cameo role (one scene), Mark Ruffalo leaves an indelible impression with very little screen time.
The supporting cast includes James Caviezel (Black John), Simon Baker (George Clyde), Tom Guiry (Riley), Tom Wilkinson (Orton Brown), John Ales (Quantrill), John Judd (Otto Roedel) and Kathleen Warfel (Mrs. Chiles). The Civil War will forever be an open wound upon the nation; but hopefully, as time goes on, it will be through the objective contemplations of filmmakers like Ang Lee and films like "Ride With the Devil" that will ultimately help to close the schism and promote healing. In light of more recent events, it is something that is sorely needed, worldwide. Film is a powerful medium; it can be educational as well as entertaining, and perhaps in the future more filmmakers, like Ang Lee, will embrace and promote a sense of unity through the sensitive depiction of the events and attitudes that make us what we are.
27 Much more than I bargained for
I only bought this DVD because I'm a huge Jewel fan and I knew very little about the movie except that she was in it. While her performance was very good for an acting debut I got a lot more than I expected in terms of the rest of the cast and the movie as a whole. This film was marvelously done in pretty much every way. The story flows well and really captures some of the horrors of war as well as the way friendships and people develop and change over time. It has something for everyone as it mixes action,drama,and humor along with some wonderful cinematography to make a thoroughly satisfying movie. I was struck by the contrasting elements in this film that mirror the human experience. It's beautiful and brutal,touching and tragic,and there is love and loss. And then there's the acting.
I had seen Skeet Ulrich in Scream and Chill Factor and he does well in this movie but I was far more impressed with Tobey Maguire as Jake and Jeffrey Wright as Holt. They are both great actors and worked well together. As I mentioned before,Jewel was surprisingly good as Sue Lee. Last but certainly not least;I was blown away by Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as Pitt Mackeson. His performance was menacing and intense with just a touch of icy charm and he may have stolen the show if he had a bigger part. I really love this movie and I think if it had gotten wider distribution and a little initial publicity word of mouth alone could have made it a big hit. Everyone involved in making it should be proud of their work and I highly recommend it.
28 Outstanding depiction of the Border War
Being someone that has grown up in Kansas City knowing that this is the only area in which the Civil War was fought where there are no statues or memorials to either side, it was very exciting that Hollywood finally made a movie which acurately depicts how it was here along the Kansas and Missouri border during the border war of the Civil War years. Tobey Maguire is excellent as a German immigrant's son who is swept up in the Missouri "bushwhacker" cause in the border war against the "jayhawkers" headquarted in Lawrence, Kansas, a town founded by Massachusetts abolitionists. The supporting cast is good as well, especially Jeffrey Wright who is spectacular as a slave fighting with the bushwhackers. The Academy made a huge error overlooking him at Oscar time. This film was released only in Kansas City, Los Angeles and New York. This is as good as Ang Lee's other films and why it was not given a general release is a mystery. But not to worry, now you can enjoy it in the peace of your own home. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!
29 An amazing and truly touching story!!!!
Ride with the Devil tells an amazing and touching story about the lives of men who fought sometimes with neighbors that they grew up with. Men that were called the Bushwhakers and the Jayhakers. These were men that lived in the border states where half went to fight for the North and the other half, the South. This movie really gets into the hearts and minds of men during the Civil War.
Ride with the Devil is one of those rare movies where they got everything right. With only a few faults that keep it from being perfect, it is an awesome movie. The direction, the cinimatography, the acting, the story, the plot, everything is just amazing. I know that this movie is one that many people have not heard of, and I am further aware the it hasn't gotten the credit it deserves. But if you ever get the chance, see this movie.
Be warned- There are some things in this film that are not appropriate for children. Please take the rating seriously.
I won't tell you any parts of the story because I may ruin it for you. All I will say is that it is a great story that informs you alot of what men had to go through while fighting; for what they believed in, what they dreamed of and hoped for.
I know I rated this movie above but for my personal rating, I give it a 10 out of 10.
Don't miss this movie!
30 Not what I expected...but came away MOVED
I lived in the KC area when this was filmed and read newspaper snippets about the production. I was expecting a "docu-drama"
of the Quantrill raid on Lawrence. Living in the area, I'd visited the various historical sites and read the obligatory
bronze placques so I was excited about seeing a movie that
would supposedly flesh out the Lawrence-raid for me.
Instead, midway through the movie I was perplexed at why this
was plundering along telling a story about three Missourians
and nothing about Quantrill at all. It wasn't until after the
Lawrence raid scene that I realized that this story was told
brilliantly, and illustrated for us the essence of the time
and circumstances that affected lives for generations.
The raid isn't the story, the lives caught up in the quirky
tides of history is the compelling story to be told, and Ang
Lee masterfully captures it...
Bottom line, go in without grandiose "Braveheart"'like
expectations, and enjoy important storytelling at its
finest.
31 The Real War.
Ok I will not bore you with summarizing the plot. All I can say is that if you think this will be like you're granddad's World War 2 movie think again. This is more along the lines of Platoon(ok I may be steeping out on a limb). The characters are many and memorable the action scenes(though few in number in some cases towards the middle) are equally engaging. The soundtrack is also excellent. I most espically like the fact that(unlike in Gettysburg) the directors aren't shy about what a bullet does to the human body. To make it all the more engaging you don't have to know Jack about the civil war to enjoy this movie.
32 The Real War.
Ok I will not bore you with summarizing the plot. All I can say is that if you think this will be like you're granddad's World War 2 movie think again. This is more along the lines of Platoon(ok I may be steeping out on a limb). The characters are many and memorable the action scenes(though few in number in some cases towards the middle) are equally engaging. The soundtrack is also excellent. I most espically like the fact that(unlike in Gettysburg) the directors aren't shy about what a bullet does to the human body. To make it all the more engaging you don't have to know Jack about the civil war to enjoy this movie.
33 The dark side of war
Ride with the devil was different fromany civil war movie that I had ever seen. Its strat forward and honest. The acting is haunting set to Kansas country side and beautiful music. When I first heard about this film, I couldn't wait to see it, even though I had to drive 40 miles to a small theatre that was showing it, and I gladly wnt again the next day. This movie is beautiful and profound. Highly recomended.
34 DVD lends added grandeur to a great movie
Ride With the Devil may not have found its audience in theaters, but it's a great movie, and it was meant to be seen on DVD format!
The DVD version of this epic piece of filmmaking by Taiwan-born director Ang Lee focuses on a little-known aspect of the Civil War: the bloody and relentless border skirmishes along the Kansas and Missouri border that began in the 1850s and continued into the 1870s for almost a decade before and a decade after the five-year Civil War ended in 1865.
The fighting in these border skirmishes was more like a continuous everyday version of the the modern conflicts in Ireland and the Middle East and even in some US streets ruled by urban gangs.
The armies of the Blue and the Gray were not yet engaged on the battlefields of the south and the east when these young Missouri men took up their hunting rifles and turned them on the occupying Union army. The resulting warfare created such lingering hatreds that author Daniell Woodrell, (who wrote the book on which the movie is based), said martial law was declared in three counties years after the war.
The movie's main characters are unusual choices to depict this bloody, hatred-fueled "battle to the knife, and knife to the hilt" conflict: They are teenaged boys, southern-sympathizing "Bushwhackers." They took turns with pro-Union, Kansas-based "Jayhawkers" to stage retaliatory raids.
Such a conflict was no place for middle ground, and yet that is just where lead character Tobey Maguire finds himself, as the son of a German immigrant. Such immigrants were distrusted because many of them favored an almost fascist-strong central government.
Maguire's character, Jake "Dutchy" Roedel, is barely tolerated because he is the best friend ("near-brother") of loyal good old boy and former rich old boy, Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich). The two grew up together, so when Jack Bull's father is killed by Jayhawkers, Jake ignores his own father and joins with Jack Bull.
to battle them.
Jake's father's words warning him that he would never be accepted among the Bushwhackers often comes to haunt him as he is singled out for suspicion, especially by a viscious fellow Bushwhacker, Pitt Mackeson, chillingly portrayed by Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers. His gorgeous smile appears in this movie only when Pitt Mackeson is shooting someone.
In the movie's best performance, Jeffrey Wright portrays another outsider in the Bushwhacker camp: a freed slave who remains loyal to fight alongside the man who freed him. As the war goes on, this quiet fighter begins to realize that even loyalty has its limits in the face of overwhelming wrongdoing.
In the DVD version of the story, you get to see more wide-shots of the Bushwhackers in camp and feel the boredom and lonliness that must have been part of camp life. In one scene, the men are transfixed by the reading of a Wisconsin mother's captured letter to her sons.
The spectacular chase scenes, with their unusual perspectives and sense of urgency, are heart-thumping action.
These scenes record to perfection and with great timing the skilled horseback riding and fancy gunplay in which Bushwhackers exchange weaponry on the run.
Viewers may gain an appreciation for how the landscape of the early 1860s so vastly differed from anything we recognize today, and how it was possible for hundreds of armed soldiers on horses to travel 45 miles across enemy territory to execute one of the most brutal terrorist acts of the 19th century: The slaughter by Bushwhackers of 150 old men and young boys on an August morning in Lawrence, Kansas.
The movie has its flaws.
It is almost 3 hours long, and it lags toward the middle.
Although Skeet Ulrich is billed as the movie's star, both he and first-time actress Jewel Kelcher turn in mannered performances.
Still, if you enjoy Jewel's singing, you will love the video extra of her singing her song, "Simple is True," based on a brief love affair.
It's a bit syrupy, but the visuals are nice. Don't read the forced and unmetered lyrics, as they make little sense.
The worst thing about this DVD is the total lack of any other bonus material of any note.
No live interviews on the set. No comments or insights about filming from the director.
Another cheat: The cast list does list all the major players, so if you click on a name, some written "filmography" material pops up. BUT that only happens for a few!
Some production notes provide interesting insights into how the raid on Lawrence and other scenes were staged, and some of the filming difficulties, but again...no real interviews.
Still, if you want to see some rousing story-telling about a pivotal time in American history, this DVD is well worth it.
35 Realistic Civil War violence, but so what?
This is a tale of skirmishes between gangs of young men who see the reason to kill and pillage as justified because the other side "wants to change our way of life". If this was meant as an anti-war movie, it succeeded as such for me, but I don't believe that was the director's intention.
The cinematography is very well done, the acting is certainly favorable, and the character development is adquate, but the movie drags on endlessly. I'm sure this is an excellent composite of the skirmishes in the "border states" at the start of the Civil War, but I'm not sure what the message we can bring away from it is.
Realism for the sake of realism doesn't justify the making of this movie. Well drawn "trees", unfocused "forest".
36 Beautifully acted, written and filmed
This is one of the most moving films I have seen in a long time. The scenery and camera shots alone are worth the viewing, but the acting is just as phenomenal. It is an easy paced story about a very disturbing time in our nations history. Toby Maguire is able to communicate so much, even with the small amount of speaking that he does. Jewel was the dark horse of this movie, proving that she's not only talented in music but has a definate flare for acting as well. If you are at all intrigued by history, I definately recommend you see this film.
37 WELL WORTH WATCHING
This film has stuff for everyone. For guys it has action, adventure and suspense. For the gals, it is also a love story set in tragic surroundings. It is also one of the few films that stays away from the usual stereotyping of the Southernors of the 1860s. It also shows that Blacks fought for the South. And not as ignorant slaves. Yes it shows the bigotry of some. But, also that some Confederate Soldiers were against slavery. And they were fighting for states rights.
38 "Oh, what a horrible fate!"
It was a horrible fate how quickly this truly terrific movie disappeared from theaters in 1999. It even failed to find an arthouse audience! A real shame.
The Amazon review is correct- this movie truly does transport you back in time to the Missouri-Kansas border during the Civil War. I think others have ably described the plot so I'll focus on things that stood out for me. One thing that really caught my eye was how for once a period film actually attempted to show who really fights in wars: young men. The majority of the actors in this film are in their early twenties which is the age of the average combat soldier. Most war movies star actors who are generally well past the age allowable for combat duty. (As much as I loved "Saving Private Ryan," Tom Hanks was a little bit long in the tooth to be considered a realistic Ranger captain.) Civil War films are even worse in representing the age of a typical soldier mainly due to their reliance on filling out scenes with re-enactors. Yes, it's great re-enactors work for free and provide their own costumes and weapons, but Civil War armies were not made-up of overweight, middle-aged men. The average age of a Confederate soldier was about 20 yrs old, and "Ride with the Devil" shows the truth- that the men who did most of the killing and dying in that war were mere youths. As another reviewer pointed out, this really strikes home when Toby McGuire's Jake, a hardened Confederate guerrilla, reveals his age.
The performances are uniformly excellent across the board. (Look out for former child actors Thomas Guiry ("Lassie" and "The Sandlot") and Jonathan Brandis ("Sidekicks" and "Ladybugs") in supporting roles. Brandis as Cave Wyatt is almost unrecognizable with his long hair, full beard, and southern accent.) However, one performance really stands out- Jonathan Rhys-Meyers' chilling Pitt Mackeson. Mackeson represents the young men of Missouri who grew up during the unrest of the "Bleeding Kansas" days and came of age when that unrest exploded into largescale, murderous violence during the Civil War. Violence is a way of life for Mackeson. Eventually, "the Cause" becomes less important to him than indulging in the anything goes lawlessness of the Missouri-Kansas border. Remember this is how Jesse and Frank James came of age. The Irish Rhy-Meyers rivets the viewer's attention whenever he is onscreen. This should of have been a star making turn for the then 22 yr old, but since no one saw "Ride with the Devil" it didn't happen.
I'm a huge Civil War buff so maybe I enjoyed this movie more than a non-history buff would. It can be slow moving and the highly stylized and polite dialogue of the characters can be a little off-putting- "And when do you figure on doing this mean thing to me, Mackeson? Is this very moment convenient for you? It sure is for me." But it truly is a terrific Civil War film despite the fact that it's only about a vicious sideshow of that catastrophic war- "Armies and battles? That's all back east. Down here in Missouri you just got the people to fight ya." If you enjoy period films then I highly recommend "Ride with the Devil" for a trip back in time.
39 A great film
It was cinematically stunning. It was a compelling story, well told and performed. But the moment that really broke my heart was not the moment when we lost a good man to a bad cause (two of those, with Jack and George), but the moment when Jake Roedel is faced with starting a new life with his new bride.
"Are you a virgin?" she asks. He replies, "Girl, I've killed 15 men." And she softly laughs.
This does not make him a man. Bedding women does not make a boy a man, either. Jake's manhood was a matter of courage, loyalty and responsibility, all of which he demonstrated admirably at every challenge. But something about that moment, between a young man and woman who had been through too much, really shook me.
And then the next scene was Jake having a shave and a haircut. And he didn't look 19 (which he barely was), he looked 14. Jesus God.
I can't add a thing to that.
40 Good, but not great
I don't understanding the gushing reviews given this film. This is an entertaining period film. It is unusual and meritorious only because it doesn't treat the Conferderates as evil incarnate.
The cinematography is especially pleasing. The story line is unimaginative and typical superficial action-adventure. The working in of an important black character among the Confederate irregulars is a silly artifice that can only be an excuse to treat the Southern cause with a measure of sympathy. Many of the characters in the film are shallow stereotypes.
Actually, this film is 31/2 star material, but I bumped it up because it has the courage to treat the Confederates with a measure of sympathy and respect. A better film about the conflict as it took place in the West is Clint Eastwood's The Outlaw Josey Wales--now that is a five star film.
41 Fantastic
Ride With the Devil is certainly the best movie I have ever seen that depicts the American Civil War. It is also, in my opinion, the finest historical drama I have seen and is close to being my favorite movie, period.
There is so much that makes this movie such a pleasure, from the wonderfully realistic writing to the beutiful cinematography to some very fine performances, from Toby McGuire, Jeffery Wright and yes, even Jewell.
But what makes this movie so great is the overall tone of the film. Far too many movies about the Civil War tend to romaticize the war, to make the fighting seem glorious. Movies like Gettysburg and Gone with the Wind and even very good movies like Glory are guilty of this to some extent.
In Ride with the Devil, however, the violence of war is realistically portrayed, as destructive, cowardly, and, in the end, heartbreaking. Only by breaking the destructive cycle of violence, this film tells us, will true glory ever be found.
Whether you are interested in the Civil War or simply good films, I do implore you to see this movie. It is amoung the best.
42 I've definately seen better...
I'll be honest; I only bought this film because Jonathan Rhys-Meyers had a decent-sized role. I think if it weren't for the eye-candy being displayed on screen I'd have turned it off! First off, the plot was very weak. I was never shown a real reason as to why these young men risked their lives for the Confederacy. Sure, So-and-so shot So-and-so-else's father or whatnot, but please, that was NOT the base of the civil war! Second, the music was pitiful... being from the South myself, I know a synthetic banjo when I hear one. And I tell you, those were some pretty sorry synthetic banjos to boot! Same goes for violins. I'd think even Northerners could play a violin! The last thing I wish to moan about at present are the accents used; I may have heard three good imitations. They either tried too hard or didn't try at all! I can make some better recommendations for eye candy!
43 What a ride.
Civil War epic involving the confused guerilla warfare that happened along the Missouri-Kansas border. We learn that this region wasn't exactly teeming with regular armies, but rather was the scene of isolated groups waging local war: Confederate sympathizers were "Bushwackers"; Unionists were "Jayhawkers". *Ride with the Devil* is another brilliant example of the seemingly endless fund of storytelling material about the Civil War that has yet to be fully tapped. With such an advantage, the movie is bound to excite attention. What keeps that attention is the brilliant pacing of the narrative and Ang Lee's deft direction. These young men on the run, hardened beyond their years, enjoined with a very bad cause to start with, experience loss after loss and yet grow immeasurably within, particularly Tobey Maguire's Rodell and Jeffrey Wright's magnificent renegade slave, Holt. (Both Maguire and Wright perform superbly.) I don't know how Ang Lee pulls it off, but we watch Maguire's character harden, toughen, and mature most subtly, without fanfare-of-trumpets setpieces that beat us over the head (e.g., Gibson's *Patriot*.) It's a shock when, late in the film, Rodell gets a haircut that reveals how young he actually is. Quite simply, I cannot praise this movie enough. How on earth *Ride with the Devil* got so thoroughly snubbed by the industry, audiences, and critics is beyond me. The critics, in particular, took a total bath on this one. Perhaps the world wasn't quite ready for Ang Lee's brand of intelligent action pictures. Hopefully, with the groundbreaking success of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, folks will see Mr. Lee's name on this movie's DVD box and give it a rent. Hopefully, so will you -- you won't regret it. This movie's great.
44 One of the Best Civil War Movies Ever Made
That someone took time to tell the story of Missouri bushwackers, geurillas fighting for the Confederacy in a hap-hazard no-rules-of-conduct way, and then explain their motivations is outstanding--and refreshing. Ang Li tells the story slowly and develops the characters so carefully that they are fully genuine. The details to historical accuracy, the presentation of day-to-day life, the beauty of the simple landscape all combine for an outstanding story and for outstanding story-telling. One of the best Civil War movies ever made.
45 Honest Portrayal
Both sides of the Missouri/Kansas WBTS is fairly represented. Good background for understanding this period by highschool students.
46 Prelude to Order No. 11
This fictional saga is a most accurate account of historical events leading up to the issuance of Order No. 11. The hardships suffered and the battles fought are eloquently portrayed and draw the viewers into the picture, making them feel as if they are there. The story is engrossing and the acting is excellent! A must-see movie! Well done, Ang Lee!
47 Ang Lee shines, even when overlooked.
This film is Lee's best work to date. The fact that it was sentenced to limited distribution can't stop it from becoming a classic. Jeffrey Wright proves himself one of the finest actors in films today with his performance as a free black Confederate.
Those of us who are tired of the demonization of the South and of the Confederacy can understand why this film was studiously ignored. It presents a picture of the border war in Missouri and Kansas in a light which has been suppressed for far too long.
I predict that this film will survive to become a classic in spite of the efforts to suppress it just as "Tender Mercies" did. Buy this one to keep. It's well worth saving to watch again.
48 Srebrenica Revisited
This film is a masterpiece!
I rented Ride with the Devil last night on the spur of the moment because I saw Ang Lee's name on it. Before, I had never heard of it, but boy was I swept away! How is it possible that Ang Lee - apparently a Taiwanese - is able to create social and historical drama on European and American subjects that by far surpasses that of contemporary Europeans and Americans? Ride With The Devil, The Ice Storm, Sense and Sensibility, Pushing Hands... Jesus, those films are so bloddy brilliant! Especially to me as a Dane, an unwilling bystander to the Balkan fratricide of these last 10 years, the message is unmistakable: It takes so little to start killing your neighbours indiscriminately, so little to reduce individuals to legitimate targets that you can murder for the cause. (And yes, I know that I do Ang Lee's film little justice with these cliches, but that is because I lack words to describe the magnificence of this epic).
In short, this is the best film made about the Balkan wars, even though it is set in Missouri.
J¿rgen, Denmark.
49 This Really is Ang Lee's Finest Film
Though finding a weak Ang Lee film takes effort, Ride With The Devil shows clearly Ang Lee's unique sense of style and pacing--perhaps more definitively than any of his other films. Those searching for a film closer to the lines of action-heavy Crouching Tiger will be disappointed with the slower pace and greater complexity, but if you enjoyed the very gentle direction of Eat Drink Man Woman or Sense and Sensibility here is a finely developed American epic--a treat for those of us who can't get enough of the way Ang Lee captures a moment that speaks heavily of his characters and situations.
If you're new to Ang Lee, this would be a great movie (perhaps his finest) to start with. Ang Lee's films are as signature-laden as Spike Lee's and no less powerful. The currents can run much deeper, however, and after even one viewing of Ride with The Devil, you'll be thinking about the implications of its story--and of American's collective history--for some time to come.
The film also carries a fine demonstration of Tobey Maguire's acting ability--especially enjoyable after watching his earlier performance for Ang Lee in The Ice Storm. And even Jewel doesn't suck--she's convincing and (what we were all hoping for) unobtrusive in the softer moments of the film. But acting-wise, this is truly Jeffrey Wright's film. Without him, the movie would fall apart. With him, this film is important, relevant, and certainly one to keep.
50 A Cinematic Masterpiece!
What makes "Ride with the Devil" such a poignant and enrapturing movie is that the Civil War serves as the film's backdrop, rather than as its focus. The movie tells the story of Southerners seeking love, peace, and liberty amidst the chaotic invasion of Missouri by Union forces. Brilliantly portrayed, the characters are never overshadowed by the divisive politics of the period. It is also praisworthy that the film depicts Confederate sympathizers in a profound and humane light, portraying their struggle for independence with the fairness that most "Civil War" movies fail to give it. As a high school history teacher, I recommend this movie for teachers seeking a cinematic depiction of the "Civil War" from the perspective of "Confederate sympathizers." When juxtaposed with another great war film such as "Glory," students will benefit by comparing opposing viewpoints and transcending the simplistic perception of war as a battle between good guys and bad guys. Let those kids see just how blurry the line that divides the two is.
51 Historical? No. Good movie? Yes.
Although Ride With The Devil is not the most historically accurate depiction of the Border War, it does give a good feel for some of the things that did happen. It was a horrible time in Kansas/Missouri history as well as American history. That was correct. The idea that some of those things actually happened, not so correct. But, that's why it's a movie and not a historical recreation. As long as you look at it like one, you won't be disappointed.
52 A little hard to follow but a very good movie
The best thing about this movie was the costumes and scenery. Fantastic job depicting 1860's Missouri/Kansas. The plot was the only weak part. There appears to be several holes in the plot, like some scenes were deleted (to make it shorter?). The film is a little long, but the plot holes only make it seem longer. There are several little things in the movie that happen so fast and just pass by that you'll probably miss them the first time you watch them. Jeffrey Wright (Daniel Holt) gave the best performance of the movie with his portrayal of great quiet wisdom. It could not have been done better. I'm a little surprised that Skeet Ulrich was not used more. He's always listed at the top of the credits but I would not even consider him a main character. He seems to be there only for a token appearance to draw in the young women? It worked.
The producers of this movie really made a nice attempt at recreating the Missouri wilderness. This is one of the best Civil War movies for scenery ever made. It's hard to comment on the battle scenes. They were edited too short. They made them appear to only last about 2 minutes.
Most underrated film of 1999.
53 A pleasure to the eye and the ear!
I was fortunate enough to get free tickets to the premiere showing of this incredible movie. If I had known then that it would never be given a general release here I would have seen it as often as possible on the big screen. The small screen doesn't do the beauty of Missouri's countryside justice, but there's an actual story here that will keep your mind occupied. Some viewers may be tempted to bail out of the movie at the beginning because the dialog sounds stilted to the modern ear. Don't do it! You'll get accustomed to the speech patterns and they really add richness and depth to the story. You don't have to be a Civil War scholar to appreciate this movie but you do have to have an open mind. It is neither the glorious southern cause of Gone with the Wind nor the valiant northern crusade of Glory. It is an accurate portrayal of war between and amongst civilians. There are no clear winners or losers, just survivors.
54 COMPELLING!
A fantastic retelling of the Civil War as seen through the eyes of those who fought on the Kansas-Missouri border. Superb acting! Great battle sequences! Great music (including Jewel's "What's Simple Is True")! Also for Civil War historians. Part of the film talks about Quantrill's raid on Lawerence, Kansas. God only knows how many times Quantrill's story has been set to film. Anyways, good storytelling! Grade: A+.
55 Ride With the Devil
This movie is the best I've seen in a long time. Since I live in the area where the movie is set, it makes it even more interesting to see what actually happened on this land so many years ago. I have actually visited where part of the filming took place, Watkin's Mill in Cameron, MO. [Opening scence where Jake Roedel (Tobey McGuiere) is talking with his father in the mill.] Ride With the Devil is very realistic. You can almost feel the emotions of the actors and its easy to relate to their anger and pain. If you want a real look at what our history really was, watch this movie. It's Awesome. A movie I will definately buy.
56 Ride With the Devil
Outstanding!!!!!!! Very realistic you can smell the gunpowder. The dialogue is the style in vogue in that era. Shows the complexity of the times and the emotional devide between both sides.
57 Sadly Overlooked
I can't believe how overlooked and forgotten this movie has been. This is epic cinema at its finest.
This movie is just beautiful. Every scene is woven together seamlessly and perfectly. Jewel is spectacular in her debut and Tobey Macquire shines in a role that is acted as well as his role in The Cider House Rules. Every actor shows perfection in their roles.
In a refreshing change we see the Civil War fought between,not strangers,but between neighbors and former friends. Also,it is rare that we see the Civil War from the southern point of view,which is just what we get here.
To sum up this movie only takes one word...Spectacular!
58 An Astounding movie wich was shamfully overlooked!
Ride with the Devil is a civil war drama about the kansas/Missuori buskwackers. It is one of the few movies which takes you into its period world so effortlessly. It shows the true violence of the time and yet shows how that violence affected people and changed their lives. Ride with the Devil was directed by Ang Lee, who brought us the brilliant Sense and Sensibility, this is his best work since Sense and Sensibility. Lee knows how to make a period drama come alive to the viewer in a way that few directors can do. Maybe its because he usually does projects he really feels for. The acting in Ride with the Devil was supuerb. Tobey Maguire again proves that he is the most talented young actor in Hollywood, today. He protrays a a first generation american,Jake Rodell, with such heart and sincerity, very few actors could have done that. Skeet Ulrich delivers his best and most seriuos performance to date, as Jack Bull. Singer, Jewel, gives a suprisingly good and nuanced performance as Sue Lee Shelley. Jefferey Wright, protrays a freed black with real integrity and authority. Wright and Maguire were horrible oversights at the Oscars. Actually, i thought the whole movie was a horrible oversight. They brought a whole differnet level to this movie with their performances. they made you see their characters in a way that few could have done. You truely cared what happened to them as if they were a close freind. Wright and Maguire made you see the Civil War not as north and south but as people defending the only life they had ever known. Ride with the Devil is a captivating movie that goes right to your heart and helps you to understand a time in America's history, when nothing was simple and everything was a battle--Freedom, your way of life and survival. it puts a new persepective on a war with split our nation in two and hurt everyone it touched. this movie will probably never get a big following but for those of you reading this you will not be disapointed. so go rent this movie or be like me and buy it. thank you Ang lee and everyone how helped make this magnificent movie!
59 Excellent on all counts....
I became intrigued with this film because I heard a favorable review by a critic I respect on National Public Radio (Rita Kempley--who also writes reviews for the Washington Post). She pointed out that Ang Lee had directed the film, which immediately appealed to me because I have found his other films--"The Ice Storm and the "Remains of the Day"--especially moving and beautifully crafted.
Nevertheless, I avoided the film when it played in the local theaters because Ms. Kemply also indicated it was rather bloody, and it is bloody--the Civil War was not a pretty sight. But, it probably is not nearly as bloody as "Braveheart"(which I have yet to watch) or "The Search for Private Ryan" (which left me stunned because I saw it on the big screen--but I am glad I saw it). "Ride With the Devil" probably has about the same amount of violence as "The English Patient" along with a shocking scene or two as well. I finally bought the DVD and I am glad I did.
Lee takes time to develop his four main characters: Jake Roedel (Tobey McGuire); Jack Bull (Skeet Ulrich); Sue Lee Kelly (Jewel); and Holt (Jeffrey Wright). Jake and Jack are best friends sucked into the mindlessness of the war machine(reminded me of the anecdote Shelby Foote provides in Ken Burns film "The Civil War" about the response of a Southerner to a Yankee soldier who asked the Rebel why he was fighting, "You don't own slaves, why are you here", to which the Southerner replied, "Because you're here.")
Holt is a Black man caught up in the fighting--on the Southern side, a curious fact explained by his life long friendship with another man (Blonde and White) who is fighting a war of retaliaton for wrongs committed against his family by the Yankees. All these men are "bushwackers" as they were called by the regular Union Army. Quantrell is the most famous of these "rebel outlaws" and in one scene he rides through camp with his men. Jake, Jack, and Holt join Quantrell to ride into "Kansas, bloody Kansas." Ang makes it very clear this raid resulted in one of the worst days in Kansas, and probably the dumbest raid ever staged.
The story of the lives of Jake, Jack, Holt, and Sue Lee is beautifully told. Lee's cinematography is gorgeous. In one scene, Jake steps out onto a porch on a frosty winter night and gazes up at the moon. The camera holds Jake's view of the moon in it's lens a full minute. It is a heart-rending scene--a young boy in his teens probably wondering if he will ever find peace and beauty again. But, that's Lee's specialty--heart wrenching beauty the midst of suffering.
60 overlooked masterpiece
Ang Lee's RIDE WITH THE DEVIL quite simply is one of the best films of 1999, superbly crafted, sumptuously mounted, harshly realistic and brutal when it needs to be, gentle and understated when it should be. If you have any interest in the Civil War era, or merely appreciate fine historical drama and storytelling, do yourself a favor and rent (or better still, buy) this DVD. And don't watch it on pan and scan videotape crap-vision or you'll miss out on half of the gorgeous widescreen cinematography.
Virtually unseen when it was unceremoniously dumped and abandoned in theaters last year, RWD represents everything that is right with the state of American filmmaking and horribly wrong with the state of American film marketing and distribution. At a time when every crass, lowbrow, insipid and moronic subject is not only filmed but heavily hyped, advertised and shoved down the throats of the pre-sold masses, I guess it is no surprise that a film this thoughtful and intelligent should be ignored. No doubt the lack of marquee star power contributed to this, but the film was never given a chance to succeed even on a limited, arthouse level. Why spend the millions necessary to produce such a fine film and then toss it in the dumpster like some unwanted bastard child?
Enter the DVD. Others on this site have quibbled over historical innacuracies, being too P.C., etc. I am not a Civil War historian and choose to approach the film as a piece of filmmaking rather than a historical artifact, and on a filmmaking level it succeeds superbly. It is one of those rare time-machine films that genuinely transports you to another era in its authenticity and detail: in dress, customs, mindset, and most importantly, language. At first, the dialog seemed a bit stiff and stilted, but after about fifteen minutes or so the rhythms and complexities of a more graceful manner of speech began to work a form of magic. It helped to illustrate both the charm and the hypocrisy of the lost antebellum world.
So many aspects of this film deserve to be praised. The acting is uniformly excellent, from the leads down to the smallest roles. Standouts were Jeffrey Wright as Holt, the freed slave fighting beside Southerners (one of the many unique and revealing historical details) and in particular Tobey Maguire as Jake. On the strength of this performance and his turn in WONDER BOYS, Maguire shows himself capable of astonishing range and rare depth, and the possibility of becoming the preeminent young American actor of his generation.
RWD follows the cardinal rule of all great drama: start with the characters. When you create three dimensional characters the audience can identify and empathize with, they will follow you wherever your story takes them. By the end of this film, I felt I had lived with these people, watched them change, grow, die. Some have complained they found the film too episodic and meandering, and it's true the storyline is unconventional, but again I find this as one of its strengths rather than a detriment. We follow these people through scenes of carnage and tenderness, sorrow and joy, and the pace reflects the unhurried rhythms of the era, taking its time to examine and reveal aspects of a way of life which would not be as deeply felt or understood without this understated approach. You want histrionics, over the top melodrama, simplistic one-dimensional cardboard characters and conventional resolutions? Don't come looking here, you will be disappointed. If however you love finely crafted, thought provoking and intelligent filmmaking, RIDE WITH THE DEVIL will satisfy the discriminating film lover.
61 Excellent Movie, But NOT Liberal PC Hollywood
... Having read a number of historical accounts of the era, I found the picture for the most part accurate (I agree that the encounter outside of Lawrence never occurred and was probably staged for dramatic effect). What I find most surprising about the picture is Ang Lee's mastery of the subject matter. Clearly he knew what he wanted and got it on film. In my opinion, Lee acquits himself on this film at least as well as he did in "Sense and Sensibility".
The acting by this ensemble cast is quite good. Skeet Ulrich is very turned in a fine performance and Jewel was, surprisingly, quyite good in her first movie performance. Tobey Maguire shows once again why he is clearly the best young actor in films today. One word of warning-this film is quite violent. If you can handle that, then I highly suggest watching this motion picture.
62 A Heck of a Ride
This is one of those rare movies where everybody got it right ---from the cinematography to the casting; from the musical score to film editing; from costume design to second unit directing this movie is nearly flawless. The directing by Ang Lee (Sense and Sensibility) and the performance by a wonderful ensemble cast put this movie in a league with the great modern frontier movies like The Outlaw Josey Wales and The Long Riders.
Set on the Missouri/Kansas border during the American Civil War, the movie faithfully recreates the story told by Daniel Woodrell in his wonderful novel, Woe To Live On. The book is worth reading for the dialogue alone and the movie is worth watching simply for James Schamus' magnificent screenplay: But there is much move to love about this movie.
The tapestry upon which the story of Ride With The Devil is painted is a violent one but, apart from some very graphic scenes, is more about human nature than anything else. Indeed, the depth of the violence only adds to the poignancy of the surprisingly frequent gentle scenes that occur in the movie. Tobey Macguire is perfect in the lead role, Jewel gives a surprisingly intuitive performance, and Jefrey Wright almost steals the show with his low-key, but passionate performance as a freed slave riding with a gang of white bushwhackers. Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Macguire's nemesis, has a small part but is death himself. (His final confrontation with Macguire is brief and chilling --- and encapsulates the entire sense and sensibility of the movie.)
Sadly, this movie will probably go unnoticed by the general public since it seems to have had a limited release in the US and gone almost immediately from the theater to the rental market. Hopefully word-of-mouth will build interest in this truly remarkable American classic. Watch it --- but read the book too.
63 Enjoy the ride
Is it possible to feel empathy for participants of the raid on Lawrence,Kansas? Ang Lee has crafted a story that allows us to do just that. Fine acting, pacing the movie with the characters' growth like the seasons paced the battles, is a hallmark of this excellent film. Nothing is as one would anticipate it, when the movie starts.
64 A refreshing depiction of the Civil War
Without a doubt, an underrated Civil War classic that, unfortunatley but perhaps not surprisingly, went unnoticed by many people. Headlined by the acting mix of Skeet Ulrich, Tobey Maguire and pop singer Jewel, the film takes a Confederate viewpoint in its portrayal of the makeshift Bushwhackers - a band of guerrillas who waged war against Union troops, just as their Northern Jayhawker opposites did in the reverse. In the course of this 2?-hour epic, these ragtag heroes don't accomplish very much - and they know it. This is one of the movie's key points.
Jake (Maguire) has a German-emigre and pro-Union father who is killed by Yankees well aware of his son's sentiments. Jack (Ulrich) is the son of a plantation owner, George (Simon Baker), a young edition of a Southern gentleman, and - in the movie's most interesting role, though belatedly so - Holt (Jeffrey Wright) is an ex-slave loyal to the Bushwhackers' cause because George purchased and freed him.
It was interesting and refreshing to see the North as a foreign occupation force and Jewel was a pleasant surprise as well. This film is also something of a surprise from liberal Hollywood, and you can tell it wants to be politically correct - You wouldn't know from this film that the sacking of Lawrence resulted in Union reprisals that would far outdo Quantrills raiders in brutality.
But what can one expect these PC infested days? So for what it is, it is easily worth checking out.
65 Ride With The Devil
I had waited for almost two years to see this movie. I had heard of the use of the Flooded out Town of Pattonsburg MO being used as the Scenes for Lawrence and wanted to see the movie. I was very impressed with the movie. Missouri and Kansas were torn by Northern and Southern values. The war back East was more black and white (or Blue and Grey). Growing up with Stories of Jesse & Frank James, the Youngers, and Quantrell, it was easy for me to watch this movie and believe most of it. For once, the true landscapes of Missouri were used, and not Texas or some Flat place out West (the LONG RIDERS too used scenery from this area). I felt this was a movie of a portion of the War Between The States that needed to be made. Acting was excellent, not being a Jewel fan before, I may now be one.
66 Jewel Shines
Upcoming actors Skeet Ulrich (The Craft) and Tobey Maguire (Pleasantville) give strong performances as teenage boys forced to become men overnight in the face of war. In addition, this period film features Jewel in her first major motion picture performanace. When I first heard that she was going to be in this movie, I was a bit skeptical not knowing whether she could act or not. Well, she certainly shines in this movie. Jewel portrays a young widow who is caught up in the madness of the War Between The States. Not only does she look "period" but she pulls off a convincing performance of a young woman in 1860's society. A difficult part for any young actress to portray. And this is her first movie! The DVD also includes a haunting music video with Jewel singing the song from the movie's closing credits. She is so beautiful. Although not historically accurate in every aspect, this movie is still interesting to watch in that the speech, wardrobe, social customs and mannerisms of the 1860's were carefully researched.
67 Great film that did not get enough exposure
I missed out on this film last year because of its lack of exposure, and I was really ticked off about that because I'm a huge Jewel fan. So finally being able to see it was great. The film has a great cast- Skeet Ulrich, Tobey Maguire, Jewel, Jeffrey Wright, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Simon Baker, all of them turning out great performances.
I tend to think of this as a drama more than a war film. But the actions scenes are great. there are some brilliant scenes involving horses that go so smoothly. and if you have 5.1 speakers, the sound is great when it comes to the shooting scenes!
I did not know what to expect from Jewel. I did not know if I was going to overlook her acting abilities(or lack of)being the fan that I am, but I did not have to worry. She did a great job, especially for her first time. The ending sort of disappointed me. I can understand Holt riding off, but ending it there? I expected some follow up between Jake and Sue Lee, then them riding off. Oh well
As for DVD extras, there weren't too many in that department. A trailer, Jewel's "Life Uncommon" video, bios on the major characters, and production notes(probably what I appreciated most). I would have liked to have seen commentary by some of the cast/crew.
68 as good as it's gonna be from a liberal PC Hollywood
This film was a fairly decent account of the first years of the war on the western border of Missouri....it gave the perspective of Germans siding on the side of the Confederacy (many Germans in fact did side with the south, contrary to popular belief but that's another topic)....focused entirely on guerilla warfare (as it was intended to do) the movie still left the uninformed to continue thinking this was the only warfare in MO....the movie portrays Missourians as Southern which was a relief as 140 years of Reconstruction have lead many to think otherwise. Though there were several historical inaccuracies and portrayals (many out of the necessity of making an interesting movie), as a fanatic for historical accuracy, this will be as close as it will get in today's politically correct society. The one aspect that did rub me raw though was the fact that, whether intentionally or unintentionally I don't know, the movie seemed to indicate that Jake Roedel was the only partisan ranger who could read and write....nothing good be farther from the truth - they were in general a very educated group which included preachers and school teachers (Quantrill was a school teacher).
And even though the scenes in and around Lawrence are gross exaggerations and pure hollywood fiction (especially the engagement after the guerillas left Lawrence which did not occur as well as the portrayal of wagon loads of loot being removed), I enjoyed the movie in the theater and look forward to enjoying it at home.
69 One of the best films of 1999
In Missouri, in the early years of the Civil War there isn't yet a proper Confederate army, so pro-Confederate folks are pretty much left to defend themselves against the Union Army. Jake "Dutchie" Roedel (Maguire) and childhood friend Jackbull Chiles (Ulrich) become Bushwhackers: roaming, non-regular Confederates who sabotage, attack and kill Union regiments wherever they find them. This film is meandering, giving it an epic quality even though the time covered is only several years. Dutchie and Jackbull join up with other Bushwhackers, including gentleman George Clyde (Simon Baker) and his wry, freed-slave companion Holt (Jeffrey Wright). Led by the grim Black John (Jim Caviezel), these fellows and others fight for their families, revenge, and the thrill of it. The movie gives a thoughtful and not often seen perspective of the Civil War. Like LAST OF THE MOHICANS, it doesn't try to be politically correct or take sides; it concerns itself more with showing how the war the people fight can bear little resemblance to the one the politicians have waged.
RIDE WITH THE DEVIL was one of the most satisfying movies of 1999, featuring one of the strongest ensemble casts I've seen in a long, long time. Highly recommend!
70 A Beautiful Film
I'll just have to be honest, I haven't even seen the film yet, but I've read the novel and the script by James Shaamus and I'm impressed. Ang Lee is a wonderful director and is much worthy of praise for bringing this story to the screen, something that's been needing to happen for a long time. And how wonderful to see Jewel in this film. She is a beautiful and talented woman that has made a wonderful name for herself and it's great to see her take on this role. So see Ride With the Devil...you'll enjoy.
71 Important Piece of American Cinema
Ride With the Devil is a groundbreaking piece from Ang Lee (who brought us The Ice Storm and Sense and Sensibility). The film takes a look at the frontier wars on the Kansas/Missouri border during the Civil War. Tobey Maguire shows his talents as Jake Roedel, who joins the group with his best friend, Jack Bull, who is played by the gifted Skeet Ulrich. Jewel shines as Sue Lee Shelley, the love interest of both men. Lastly, the role of Daniel Holt was insightful and thought-provoking, played by the little-known Jefrey Wright. The battle scenes were bloody and realistic. The film shows you a part of the Civil War that you might not read about in textbooks.
72 Deo Vindice
Ride With the Devil is the modern Joesy Wales. Both films provide views with a different, and controversial in our PC world, perspective on the War Between the States in the West. Southerners are not villified, and there is a black, yes a black, Confederate in the movie! Lee does a nice job putting a complex story together. The characters are realistic and the acting good. I would recommend this movie to anyone who wants to get a complete picture of the War.
73 Civil War epic for the millennium
Ride With the Devil is an impressive accomplishment for director Ang Lee. He brings the feeling of 1860s Missouri alive with the dialogue and the costumes. The performances were good on most parts, Tobey Maguire was excellent as Jake Roedel, known as "Dutchie" in the vigilante Confederate army. Skeet Ulrich and Jeffrey Wright weren't to bad, but Jewel left something to be desired. You can see she's not comfortable with acting. The movie shows you what life was really like for young people back then. It's a good learning experience.
74 A triumph for an increasingly improving director
Ang Lee's third major American studio film is arguably his best, where he treads onto a different period yet his all too familiar account of people in dramatic situations remains present. Tobey Maguire once again proves he is Hollywood's finest actor at the moment (and trust me, I am as serious as a heart attack when I say that) and Skeet Ulrich puts in another fine performance. Jewel was equal to the lead man and deserves all the kudos she gets for which is certainly an underrated performance. I won't nag on how this film deserved better than the reception it received in America (and Europe for that matter) and also won't go crazy how Ang Lee, for a second time was overlooked for an Oscar nomination for his flawless work. Just watch this film, and savour up the glorious 2 hours in entertainment it provides. Hands down, the best civil war film ever made.
