Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: I've definately seen better...
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: What a ride.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Civil War Movies Ever Made
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Honest Portrayal
Review: Both sides of the Missouri/Kansas WBTS is fairly represented. Good background for understanding this period by highschool students.
Rating:
Summary: Prelude to Order No. 11
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Ang Lee shines, even when overlooked.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Srebrenica Revisited
Review: 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. Jørgen, Denmark.
Rating:
Summary: This Really is Ang Lee's Finest Film
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A Cinematic Masterpiece!
Review: 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.
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