Is Shake Hands with the Devil Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1959)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1959, Shake Hands with the Devil represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Action, Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In 1921 Dublin, the IRA battles the "Black & Tans," special British forces given to harsh measures. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "In 1921 Dublin, the IRA battles the "Black & Tans," special British forces given to harsh measures. Irish-American medical student Kerry O'Shea hopes to stay aloof, but saving a wounded friend gets him outlawed, and inexorably drawn into the rebel organization...under his former professor Sean Lenihan, who has "shaken hands with the devil" and begun to think of fighting as an end in itself. Complications arise when Kerry falls for a beautiful English hostage, and the British offer a peace treaty that is not enough to satisfy Lenihan."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of James Cagney ensure that the emotional beats of Shake Hands with the Devil always land with sufficient weight. James Cagney provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Michael Anderson is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 111 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Shake Hands with the Devil truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Action, Drama, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Shake Hands with the Devil explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 1959 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Michael Anderson respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Shake Hands with the Devil serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of James Cagney or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Shake Hands with the Devil is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.