What Is Shake Hands with the Devil About?
The premise of Shake Hands with the Devil in 297 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the early 1990s, the world watches a fragile peace tremble on the brink of collapse in a small African nation. The United Nations dispatches a multinational force to keep the tenuous balance, but the mission is hamstrung by limited resources, distant decision‑makers, and a maze of diplomatic red tape. The landscape is a stark mix of rolling savannahs and bustling towns, where the everyday lives of ordinary people are shadowed by an undercurrent of dread that no commander can ignore.
Roméo Dallaire, a seasoned lieutenant‑general, arrives to lead the peacekeeping contingent. He carries the weight of his rank and the ghosts of previous conflicts, yet feels the sting of bureaucratic inertia that constrains his ability to act. The film paints him as a man of principle caught between the official mandates of a distant bureaucracy and the pressing humanitarian realities unfolding before his eyes. His internal struggle is echoed by the muted tones of the surrounding environment—muted colors, hushed conversations, and an ever‑present sense that time is slipping away.
The tone of the story is sober and contemplative, grounded in the stark realism of a mission that feels both vital and hopeless. As Dallaire navigates the complex web of international politics, the audience senses an oppressive atmosphere of uncertainty, punctuated by moments of quiet resolve. Relationships with fellow officers and local leaders hint at fragile alliances, while the looming specter of catastrophe hangs over every decision, forcing the commander to weigh duty against conscience.
Through careful, measured storytelling, the film immerses viewers in a world where moral clarity is as elusive as the promised peace. It invites reflection on the costs of inaction and the challenging reality of trying to protect countless lives when the very structures meant to empower are shackled by their own limitations.
What Happens in Shake Hands with the Devil?
The complete story of Shake Hands with the Devil, from the first scene to the last, in 582 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
In the heart of 1921 Dublin, amidst the chaos of the Irish War of Independence, Kerry O’Shea is a young Irish-American medical student, grappling with his studies at the College of Surgeons. Fresh from the harrowing realities of World War I, where the harsh truths of violence were imprinted on his soul, Kerry finds himself disheartened and apolitical, weary of the ceaseless bloodshed. However, everything changes when he meets fellow student Paddy Nolan. This encounter pulls Kerry into the turbulent conflict between the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the British Black and Tans.
Their fateful friendship takes a tragic turn during an IRA ambush, where Paddy suffers a life-threatening injury inflicted by British forces. As life’s light flickers away from Paddy, he implores Kerry to seek out Sean Lenihan, one of their professors, who is not only an educator but also a covert high-ranking IRA leader known as “the Commandant.” Lenihan impressively removes the bullet, but alas, it is too late for Paddy.
With the burden of having left his named medical textbook at the scene of the ambush, Kerry finds himself a fugitive. He is taken under the wing of The General, a revered figure and old comrade of Kerry’s father, who leads Kerry into the murky waters of IRA activities. Initially dodging involvement, Kerry is eventually compelled to go underground when Lenihan orchestrates his escape from Ireland.
Kerry’s new coastal refuge soon transforms into an operational base for an IRA unit under Chris Noonan. Tensions rise as Lenihan expresses his discontent over the local barmaid Kitty Brady’s interactions with the men. The turning point arrives when another IRA comrade, Liam O’Sullivan, is injured during an escape from captivity. Kerry steps up to treat him, marking his deeper plunge into the realities of guerrilla warfare.
Navigating through this volatile environment, Kerry wrestles with the contrast between his growing allegiance to the IRA and his intrinsic moral values. His commitment solidifies when Terence O’Brien, another IRA member, defies orders, leading to Kerry’s brutal beating at the hands of the British officer Colonel Smithson.
In a twisting narrative, Lenihan mounts a daring rescue operation to save Kerry, unearthing layers of Kerry’s beliefs and convictions about the turmoil of conflict, ultimately driving him to join the IRA. As the stakes heighten, the imprisonment of Lady Fitzhugh catalyzes a hunger strike that further complicates the situation. In a desperate maneuver, Lenihan kidnaps Jennifer Curtis, the widow of a high-ranking British adviser, hoping to barter for crucial prisoner exchanges.
As Kerry dives deeper into the complexities of war, an unexpected romance blooms between him and Jennifer. Concurrently, Kitty’s challenges swell, facing threats from both the IRA and British forces. At a painful crossroads, Kitty decides to leave Ireland, steering Kerry toward a crossroads that will irrevocably change his life’s trajectory.
As Lenihan prepares for a significant assassination of Colonel Smithson at the docks, an unsettling foreboding looms over him. His intuition is horrifyingly spot-on when Kitty unwittingly becomes a casualty in the turmoil. In a chaotic clash, her life is tragically extinguished by the calculated maneuvers of Lenihan.
As the chaos ebbs, the group gathers at a lighthouse where they are met with shocking news – the demise of Lady Fitzhugh and a surprising ceasefire offer from the British government. While The General remains hopeful, Lenihan, steadfast in his convictions, confronts Mrs. Curtis. The ensuing confrontation ignites a fierce exchange, closing with Lenihan’s fate sealed by the very war that warped the lives of so many.
Shake Hands with the Devil Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Dublin in 1921” to “Tragic Conclusion”. 4 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Dublin in 1921
The setting of the story is established in Dublin during 1921, a period marked by the Irish War of Independence. The chaotic environment significantly influences the lives and decisions of the characters involved in the conflict.
When:1921 Where:Dublin
- 2
Kerry O'Shea's Struggles
Kerry O'Shea, a young Irish-American medical student, faces personal challenges as he grapples with his studies at the College of Surgeons. Haunted by the traumatic experiences of World War I, he becomes disillusioned and detached from the political turmoil of his homeland.
Where:College of Surgeons, Dublin
- 3
Meeting Paddy Nolan
Kerry meets fellow student Paddy Nolan, whose passionate involvement in the ongoing conflict sparks a change in Kerry's perspective. Their friendship deepens, drawing Kerry into the highly charged atmosphere of the Irish struggle against British rule.
- 4
Paddy's Injury
During a critical IRA ambush, Paddy is grievously injured by British forces, pushing Kerry into a position of urgency and grief. As Paddy's life hangs in the balance, he implores Kerry to seek help from Professor Sean Lenihan, a hidden leader in the IRA.
- 5
Professor Sean Lenihan
Kerry reaches Sean Lenihan, who impressively removes the bullet from Paddy but is ultimately unable to save him. The loss profoundly affects Kerry, igniting a sense of guilt and urgency within him.
- 6
Becoming a Fugitive
After leaving his medical textbook at the ambush site, Kerry finds himself pursued by authorities and takes refuge under the guidance of The General. This marks his gradual descent into the underground world of the IRA.
- 7
Coastal Refuge
Kerry's new sanctuary evolves into an operational base for Chris Noonan's IRA unit. As he adapts to life in this environment, tensions rise over Kitty Brady's interactions with the men, showcasing the complications of their reality.
Where:Coastal refuge
- 8
Liam O'Sullivan's Injury
The conflict escalates when Liam O'Sullivan is hurt during an attempted escape from captivity. Kerry steps forward to treat Liam, further entrenching himself in the gritty realities and responsibilities of guerrilla warfare.
- 9
Kerry's Dilemma
Kerry struggles with his loyalties to the IRA and his personal moral code. This inner turmoil intensifies when he is brutally beaten by British officer Colonel Smithson, marking a turning point in his commitment to the cause.
- 10
Rescue Operation
In a bid to save Kerry, Lenihan organizes a daring rescue operation, revealing both Kerry's own beliefs and the grim realities of war. This moment solidifies Kerry's decision to actively join the IRA in their fight.
Show the other 5 events of Shake Hands with the Devil Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Kidnapping Jennifer Curtis
In a desperate attempt to negotiate for the release of imprisoned comrades, Lenihan kidnaps Jennifer Curtis, widow of a British adviser. This act introduces yet another layer of complexity to Kerry's life and relationships amid the ongoing conflict.
- 12
Romance with Jennifer
As Kerry becomes increasingly embroiled in the chaos of war, he unexpectedly finds love with Jennifer. Despite the surrounding dangers, their relationship grows, providing moments of solace amidst the brutality of their reality.
- 13
Kitty's Departure
Facing threats from both IRA and British forces, Kitty decides to leave Ireland, which deeply impacts Kerry. This decision presents him with a crossroads, forcing him to confront his future and commitments.
- 14
Assassination Plot Against Colonel Smithson
Lenihan meticulously prepares for an assassination attempt on Colonel Smithson at the docks, a pivotal moment that carries grave consequences. The looming sense of dread underscores the ever-present danger of their rebellion.
Where:Docks
- 15
Tragic Conclusion
In the chaos of the assassination attempt, Kitty tragically loses her life, becoming an unwitting casualty of the conflict. The aftermath leaves the group devastated, underscoring the personal toll of the war and its intrusions into their lives.
Who Are the Main Characters in Shake Hands with the Devil?
5 characters, among them Kerry O'Shea, Paddy Nolan and Sean Lenihan: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- KO
Kerry O'Shea
Kerry is a conflicted young Irish-American medical student who finds his principles challenged by the violent realities of the Irish War of Independence. Initially disheartened by the ongoing conflict, his allegiance shifts as he becomes entangled with the IRA and faces moral dilemmas that test his character. Kerry's evolution is marked by personal loss and the harsh truths of loyalty in wartime.
- 👨⚕️ Medical Student
- 🇮🇪 Irish-American
- ⚖️ Morality
- PN
Paddy Nolan
Paddy is a spirited fellow student and aspiring IRA member whose friendship with Kerry acts as a catalyst for his journey into the conflict. His traumatic experience during the ambush and subsequent injury forms a pivotal moment in Kerry's transformation. Paddy’s character signifies the personal costs of war and the sacrifices made for the cause.
- 💔 Friendship
- 🇮🇪 IRA Member
- 💥 Tragedy
- SL
Sean Lenihan
Sean is a dual character, serving as a respected professor and a covert IRA leader. His complex persona embodies the intersection of education, leadership, and guerrilla warfare, pushing Kerry toward a deeper commitment to the IRA. Lenihan’s actions, while strategic, often blur the lines between right and wrong in the heat of battle.
- 👨🏫 Professor
- 🚩 Leader
- 🔫 Guerrilla Warfare
- KB
Kitty Brady
Kitty is a local barmaid influenced by the conflict around her. Her evolving relationship with the IRA fighters adds layers of personal struggle, reflecting the challenges faced by women in wartime. Kitty’s decisions affect both her life and those of the men around her, portraying the often overlooked perspectives of women in times of war.
- 🍺 Barmaid
- 🇮🇪 Courage
- 💔 Sacrifice
- CS
Colonel Smithson
Colonel Smithson represents the oppressive British military force challenging the IRA’s actions. His confrontational nature and brutal methods highlight the imbalances of power and violence in the conflict. Smithson's character is pivotal in illustrating the personal and political stakes during this fraught period.
- 👮 British Officer
- 🔫 Oppression
- ⚖️ Antagonist
Where and When Is Shake Hands with the Devil Set?
Shake Hands with the Devil is set in Dublin (1921). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1921
The movie is set during a pivotal time in Irish history, shortly after World War I and amidst the Irish War of Independence. This period is characterized by intense nationalistic pride, violent conflict, and a struggle for sovereignty against British rule. The events reflect the social and political upheaval that shaped modern Ireland.
Where
Dublin
Dublin serves as the backdrop for the tumultuous events surrounding the Irish War of Independence in 1921. It is marked by chaos and conflict, as the city navigates between the ambitions of the Irish Republican Army and British forces. The rich history of Dublin adds depth to the struggles experienced by its characters.
- 🏙️ City
- 🇮🇪 Ireland
- 🔫 Conflict
What Are the Themes of Shake Hands with the Devil?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Conflict, Love and Redemption.
-
01
Conflict
Conflict is the central theme of the movie, showcasing the violent struggles between the IRA and British forces. Characters are forced to navigate their personal beliefs amid the brutal realities of war, highlighting the emotional and moral complexities involved in such turbulent times. The tragic consequences of these conflicts profoundly affect the lives of all involved.
-
02
Love
Amidst the chaos of war, unexpected romances flourish, particularly between Kerry and Jennifer. These relationships represent a glimmer of hope and humanity, contrasting sharply with the surrounding violence. Love becomes a transformative force, complicated by loyalties and the harsh environment of guerrilla warfare.
-
03
Redemption
The theme of redemption weaves through Kerry's journey as he grapples with his past and present actions. His transformation from an apolitical student to a committed IRA member showcases the struggle for moral clarity in a world fraught with violence. The desire for personal and collective redemption ultimately drives the characters to confront their choices and consequences.
What Kind of Film Is Shake Hands with the Devil?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Sad
A grim and morally complex war drama that steadily builds tension through violent clashes and political betrayals, charting a young man's tragic descent into the brutal realities of a bloody conflict.
- gritty
- tense
- tragic
- desperate
- moral ambiguity
- grim
- war of independence
- political conflict
- moral crisis
- friendship and loss
Content notes: war violence, torture, political execution, civilian death.
Quiz
How well do you remember Shake Hands with the Devil? Test yourself on the story.
