The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2007)

Great visuals, story delivers no surprises

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Did you people see the same film I saw?

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

The casting, acting, script, story, direction--every detail--is excellent. Apparently the two brothers (main characters) were not actual historical figures, but this story is based on correct historical research, it seems. The production pulls your heart and ultimately wrenches your gut. there is a brief torture scene which will make you gag. You don't really see it, but you know what is happening.

The Wind that Shakes the Barley is a politically sophisticated war film set during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War between the years of 1919 and 1923. The film has a very authentic sensibility and depicts the war between the Irish Republican Army and the occupying British force. The British harass, intimidate, and murder the locals in their attempt to squash the rebellion, and the Irish utilize guerrilla tactics to ward off their occupiers. The film centers around two brothers who fight together for the IRA, and then later against each other on opposite sides of the Civil War after a compromise had been reached with the British. Barley examines two ideologies: one, the principle that people should fight to completely free themselves of oppression and imperialist occupation, and two, that the occupied should resist just enough to force concessions from the imperialists. The second faction turns on the first when they continue to fight for complete independence even after the Irish government signs a treaty with the British. While Loach's film portrays both factions in the Civil War with generally equal time, it's clear his film sides with the Republicans who didn't compromise their principles and continued to fight for freedom and true independence, and rightfully so.

All wars and violent revolutions were "created" to solve some serious issues - often they did, but - in turn - brought forth new ones, with all means employed. Families were split and friendships were deprived, enemy figures changed faster that the years and solutions were interpreted according to own judgments and skills. Plus the fact that some people get used to fighting and long-term confrontation are unable to re-enter into "normal" civil life.The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a fine example of all this taking place during the Irish War of Independence (1919–1922) and the Irish Civil War (1922–1923) - through the eyes and fate of two brothers, Damien and Teddy O'Donovan, splendidly performed by Cillian Murphy and Pádraic Delaney, respectively. Tensions are maintained up high to the end, accentuated by fierce shooting events, brutal behaviour of the British soldiers and - last but not least - desolate Irish landscape and weather. All this seems realistic even to me who is unaware of those events, and the result is a strong and catchy war drama (according to Ken Loach style) - to be watched alone or in a company of like-minded, and although some women have significant role in the film, it does probably not bespeak contemporary women.

The Wind that Shakes the Barley is an inspirational film of dedication and perseverance. It delves into the world of family division and fighting for a seemingly hopeless cause. Teddy fights for a resolve to the oppression of the English but his younger brother Damien strives for complete emancipation. Through dialogue, camera angles and plot the film gives the impression that the potentially fatal devotion to liberty Damien has is correct and justified. The director positions the viewer to agree with and accept Damien's idealistic pursuit.The film seems to follow Damien as the main character; the director focuses on him. Out of all the pertinent characters, Damien has the most development. He has story lines aside from the battle for freedom. We relate to Damien and therefore believe his stand points are just and reasonable. Damien has a girl in his life. He has someone to worry about beside himself. He is fighting for her safety as well as his own. The director intentionally expanded on Damien's character more than his opposite Teddy. Damien had close friendships with other characters. Damien and Dan's relationship grew as the plot carried on. Through the conversations he had with Dan parts of his personality and opinions were displayed. The writer did not give any of the other men a more dimensional character, beside a soldier. Due to the humanization of Damien's character we are naturally drawn to view his goal as honourable and dignified.