The Devil's Own

Sunday 28th December at 9pm

Back in 1997, long before Brad Pitt became one half of the world's most disgustingly glamorous couple, he showed off his acting chops in this riveting and thought-provoking drama. Proving he's more than just a pretty face, Pitt plays Frankie McGuire, a particularly remorseless IRA militant whose hatred for the British was instilled when he saw his father gunned down as a child. Following a bloody confrontation with British soldiers, Frankie seeks refuge in the United States, where he lodges with a thoroughly decent cop played by Harrison Ford. A friendship grows between the two men, who each have their secrets – the Irishman plotting to purchase a cache of missiles, the cop under pressure to cover up a shooting perpetrated by his reckless partner.

The stage is set for an explosive clash of loyalties, as Ford's honest lawman grapples with his conscience and faces uncomfortable truths about his seemingly comfortable world, whilst the fugitive terrorist weighs up his own violent destiny. Ford and Pitt – the gruff old pro and young Hollywood pup – make a brilliant pairing – although rumour has it there was a bit of cat-fighting behind the scenes over which star should get top billing. If that's true, it only helped the film generate its palpable sense of tension. Film buffs may also be interested to know this was the last project for Alan J Pakula, the acclaimed director of classics like Klute and The Parallax View.