The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Ireland 1920: workers from field and country unite to form volunteer guerrilla armies to face the ruthless "Black and Tan" squads that are being shoppied from Britain to block Ireland's bid for independence.
Driven by a deep sense of duty and a love for his country, Damien (Cillian Murphy) abandons his burgeoning career as a doctor and joins his brother, Teddy (Padraic Delaney), in a dangerous and violent fight for freedom.
As the freedom fighters' bold tactics bring the British to breaking point, both sides finally agree to a treaty to end the bloodshed. But, despite the apparent victory, civil war erupts and families who fought side by side, find themselves pitted against one another as sworn enemies, putting their loyalties to the ultimate test.
Member Reviews
Tough to Watch - zaakistan
Ireland is raked over the coals of internal strife after they drive the British from their shores.
Young Dr. Damien is recruited as a freedom fighter against a brutal and unforgiving British occupying army. Damien fights alongside his neighbours and his brother in an informal military force that must discipline itself to the point of executing traitors - their own friends and brothers. When victory is achieved, the nation is plunged even further division because of a disagreement of the terms of truce. More blood is shed.
There is no pleasure in watching this film aside from the sheer power and anguish expressed. The Wind that Shakes the Barely belongs on the shelf with other tragic classics.worth my time - GregoryMark
If your slow, like most things, this movie will be difficult. I write this review to countermand the suggestion that this is anything but excellent. Paced well and enthralling The Wind That Shakes The Barley is worth my time. Read the jacket synopsis for more info.
I need four more words. (50)enlightening - karabizwrite
I was woefully ignorant of Irish history and was curious about the film. I learned alot but found it sad, depressing etc. as it is essentially a war movie. I also struggled with the Irish accents and though English is my mother tongue, subtitles would have been most useful.
Member Reviews
Read All...
Tough to Watch - zaakistan
Ireland is raked over the coals of internal strife after they drive the British from their shores.
Young Dr. Damien is recruited as a freedom fighter against a brutal and unforgiving British occupying army. Damien fights alongside his neighbours and ...worth my time - GregoryMark
If your slow, like most things, this movie will be difficult. I write this review to countermand the suggestion that this is anything but excellent. Paced well and enthralling The Wind That Shakes The Barley is worth my time. Read the jacket synopsis for more ...enlightening - karabizwrite
I was woefully ignorant of Irish history and was curious about the film. I learned alot but found it sad, depressing etc. as it is essentially a war movie. I also struggled with the Irish accents and though English is my mother tongue, subtitles would have ...