Ride with the Devil

Year: 1999

Runtime: 138 min

Language: English

Director: Ang Lee

Budget: $38M

DramaRomanceWarWestern

During the American Civil War, Missouri Bushwackers Jake Roedel and Jack Chiles lead a violent guerrilla campaign against Union troops. Their actions are intertwined with a budding romance and a sense of brotherhood as they shelter a war widow and her baby. However, a devastating event forces Jake to confront dangerous political maneuvering and fierce combat, all while seeking to avenge his friend’s death and find a path toward redemption amidst the chaos.

Ride with the Devil (1999) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the smoky hills of Missouri, the American Civil War looms not just as a clash of armies but as a constant, ragged heartbeat that rattles every homestead and road. The landscape is a patchwork of farms, hidden digouts, and restless towns where loyalty is as fluid as the mist that rolls over the rivers. Amid this volatile frontier, the film captures a gritty, relentless atmosphere where survival and ideology collide, painting a portrait of a region caught in the throes of a conflict that is as personal as it is political.

Jake Roedel and Jack Chiles are two inseparable friends whose lives become entwined with the war’s chaotic rhythm. Jake, the son of a German immigrant, carries the weight of cultural suspicion, while Jack, raised on a prosperous planter estate, watches his world crumble under the fire of guerrilla warfare. United by a fierce bond and a shared sense of purpose, they navigate the shadowy line between outlaw and defender, their camaraderie offering both a shield and a compass in a world where the distinction between right and wrong blurs with each new raid.

When the duo takes shelter with a grieving war widow, the fragile peace of the homestead gives rise to a subtle, hopeful romance. Sue Lee Shelley Evans embodies the lingering tenderness that persists amid ruin, and her presence awakens in Jake an unfamiliar yearning for something beyond the perpetual cycle of violence. The close‑knit group they form—with former slaves, fellow fighters, and reluctant allies—creates a temporary family that steadies them against the surrounding chaos.

As the war intensifies, Jake finds himself poised on the edge of a decisive crossroads. The promise of redemption beckons, yet the path is littered with dangerous political currents and the looming specter of vengeance. The film sustains a tense, brooding tone, inviting viewers to wonder how far a young man will go to protect his friends, honor his convictions, and perhaps, discover a sliver of hope in the midst of unrelenting turmoil.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 12:47

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War redemption stories like Ride with the Devil

Characters forged in violence seek a path to peace and personal meaning.Find movies like Ride with the Devil that focus on characters seeking redemption amidst the chaos of war. These similar war dramas feature heavy emotional weight, morally complex situations, and a bittersweet conclusion to violent journeys.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist, often a soldier or guerrilla fighter, who is deeply scarred by the violence they commit or witness. A key loss or betrayal acts as a catalyst, forcing them to question their path. The story then becomes their arduous journey toward atonement, often involving protecting the innocent or making a final, defining choice that breaks the cycle of violence.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a core focus on the psychological and moral aftermath of combat. They blend high-intensity action with heavy emotional drama, resulting in a melancholic tone and a pacing that allows for deep reflection on the cost of war and the possibility of grace.

Guerrilla warfare movies like Ride with the Devil

Friendship and survival are tested in the ambiguous, brutal landscape of irregular warfare.Explore movies like Ride with the Devil that dive into the chaotic world of guerrilla warfare. These films showcase the brutal intimacy of irregular combat, the deep bonds of brotherhood, and the heavy moral dilemmas faced by fighters operating without clear rules.

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Narrative Summary

Stories center on a small, tightly-knit group of fighters operating behind enemy lines or in contested territories. The plot is driven by raids, ambushes, and the constant threat of betrayal, forcing characters to make impossible choices that challenge their loyalties and their sense of self. The narrative often explores the blurred line between freedom fighter and terrorist, and the personal cost of such a life.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their specific setting and the unique psychological tension of guerrilla warfare. They share a somber, brooding mood, high intensity from sudden violence, and a thematic focus on friendship, loyalty, and the devastating impact of war on a personal scale.

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Ride with the Devil Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Ride with the Devil

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More About Ride with the Devil

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