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Shake Hands with the Devil

Name: Shake Hands with the Devil
Director: Michael Anderson
Released: 1959
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

1959

Director

Michael Anderson

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Shake Hands with the Devil is a period drama that focuses on dismantling colonial authority rather than diverse identity. Its main strength lies in critiquing imperialist structures and the psychological complexities of revolutionary violence. However, the film adheres to the social norms of the 1950s, emphasizing masculine archetypes of rebellion and duty. It does not explore diverse social or identity-based perspectives. Overall, the film examines systemic conflict rather than showcasing diverse representation, reflecting the traditional cinematic structures of its time.

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Category Breakdown

Does Shake Hands with the Devil have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the social norms of the 1920s and 1950s, where no characters with non-straight or non-cisgender identities are present.

How does Shake Hands with the Devil portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around male-led political and military conflicts. An English woman serves as an emotional focal point, but her role is defined by her relationships to men and her function as a political pawn.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Shake Hands with the Devil?

Fair

The film depicts a conflict between Anglo-Saxon colonial forces and the Irish population. The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the historical context of the struggle.

How does Shake Hands with the Devil represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques the British colonial system and the violence sanctioned by the state. It explores the moral relativism inherent in the fight for independence.

Does Shake Hands with the Devil include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no focus on neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or chronic illnesses in the character development or overall narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides a nuanced critique of imperialist structures and the morality of state-sanctioned violence.
Explores the psychological descent of individuals radicalized by systemic political struggles.
Offers a complex look at the tension between colonial authority and indigenous resistance.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
Reinforces traditional gender hierarchies, limiting female roles to emotional or political functions.
Does not address neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or chronic illnesses in character arcs.

Official Synopsis

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 by 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.

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