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10

saccyindJul 29, 2011

Cilian Murphy Was AMAZING,The Whole Film Was Brilliant With Brilliant Filmmaking And Superb Acting,Mesmerizing Music,Cinematography Was Excellent.

Great Film

10/10.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

GM.Jun 22, 2007

This is a must see for anyone with the slightest interest in what has happened in Ireland. It is a harrowing story which gives an insight of the hardship and pain caused by imperialist Britain in the earlier 20th century and how they fought This is a must see for anyone with the slightest interest in what has happened in Ireland. It is a harrowing story which gives an insight of the hardship and pain caused by imperialist Britain in the earlier 20th century and how they fought back. Something that nobody can deny and is quite insulting towards the Irish people to do so. It also shows how torn apart the Irish people became after the treaty was signed to split the country which is an open sore that is still unhealed to this day.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

10

NeilM.Apr 28, 2007

One of the most powerful films ive ever seen. People unfamiliar with Irish history may be confused by the politics. Do not confuse the modern day IRA with the one presented in the film, not the same. Loach could probably got a load of One of the most powerful films ive ever seen. People unfamiliar with Irish history may be confused by the politics. Do not confuse the modern day IRA with the one presented in the film, not the same. Loach could probably got a load of Hollywood actors to star in this one like almost all othe Irish films and the result is obvious... its REAL.… Expand

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8

SindriFeb 18, 2011

Brothers at war - Damien O'Donell sacrifices his possibilities of having a career as a doctor in order to fight for Ireland with his brother during the Irish war of independence in 1920. Outmaneouvered and understaffed by British Black andBrothers at war - Damien O'Donell sacrifices his possibilities of having a career as a doctor in order to fight for Ireland with his brother during the Irish war of independence in 1920. Outmaneouvered and understaffed by British Black and Tans patrols, they join the Irish republican army with their closest friends. All though significantly outnumbered, they refuse to give away their independence to the United Kingdom and retaliates with unconditional patriotism. As the war increases and lives are lost, Damien falls in love with his childhood friend Sinead, who operates as their informant and provides them with food and artillery. The democracy amongst the inhabitants in Ireland are beginning to doubt their chances against the Brits, and the differences in opinion are about to complicate the relationship between Damien and Teddy.

In "The Wind That Shakes the Barley", the great humanitarian Ken Loach went far back in history to depict the Irish War of independence (1919-1921) and the Irish Civil War (1922-1923). He also moved to new surroundings, and unlike most of his films which are set in cities: "Riff-Raff" (1990), "LadybirdLadybird" (1994), "My Name Is Joe" (1998) and "Ae Fond Kissâ… Expand

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8

SpangleMay 1, 2014

The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a war film that is far more than your typical war film. It is dark, yes, but it is deeply emotional and entirely tragic, yet beautiful all the same. From the shots of the lovely Irish countryside to theThe Wind That Shakes the Barley is a war film that is far more than your typical war film. It is dark, yes, but it is deeply emotional and entirely tragic, yet beautiful all the same. From the shots of the lovely Irish countryside to the interactions amongst the characters to the costumes, the film was very much a beautiful one. However, it is the acting and characterization of the characters that really help to make this film a home run. In war films, there is typically a plethora of action with little-to-no character development. However, here, we get both. We are not shielded to the carnage of war as there is plenty of "action", but we also get the emotional trauma that accompanies war in the characters' interactions with one another and their families. Cillian Murphy and cast also kill their roles and really handle this one perfectly, as does the director, Ken Loach. Another strength for the film is the delicacy with which is handles the tension between the British and the Irish. Yes, the British are depicted as evil and unjust, but we are not given a romanticized version of the IRA either. Instead, we see them doing exactly what the British do, but since we are seeing the war through their eyes, we are not angered by their actions. But, by showing them doing exactly what the Brits do, especially at the end, the film allows us to realize that there is no true bad guy and both sides have rotten elements to them. Nobody is truly innocent on either side. At the end of the day though, the violence and trauma depicted effect everybody involved in the war effort, whether directly or indirectly. A beautifully tragic film, The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a very good film. It is not a great one, but it is hard to ask for much more from a film of this kind.… Expand

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4

DougS.Mar 16, 2007

"The Wind That Shakes the Barley," unfortunately, is a movie with a bulletproof topic: no one dares criticize a film about the Irish troubles. Through what one can only describe as nondirection, Ken Loach manages to squander not only any "The Wind That Shakes the Barley," unfortunately, is a movie with a bulletproof topic: no one dares criticize a film about the Irish troubles. Through what one can only describe as nondirection, Ken Loach manages to squander not only any dramatic impact the story might have but also two very fine performances from Cillian Murphy and Padraic Delaney, who, along with the nonprofessional remainder of the cast, are left to flounder along (sometimes literally, as Mr. Murphy in one scene falls flat on his face running down a road) in a sort of improv-hour mess. Had this been a film about a more pedestrian topic, it would be receiving the critical drubbing it deserves.… Expand

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2

PatG.Mar 23, 2007

Well--after 50 minutes of nothing but bloody beatings and shootings and close-ups of anguished, wailing women, my husband and I left the theater. It was brutal. If an actual story takes place in this movie, it must be well after the first Well--after 50 minutes of nothing but bloody beatings and shootings and close-ups of anguished, wailing women, my husband and I left the theater. It was brutal. If an actual story takes place in this movie, it must be well after the first hour. Sorry. I know this subject is important, but watching that first hour was torture. Enter at your own peril.… Expand

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3

PedroB.Apr 16, 2007

Choosing IRA as heroes and England as PURE EVIL, the movie is so one-sided and plain, with a pedestrian approach, that you cam't see the psychological traits of the characters. Cillian changes sides very fast, and than becomes a Choosing IRA as heroes and England as PURE EVIL, the movie is so one-sided and plain, with a pedestrian approach, that you cam't see the psychological traits of the characters. Cillian changes sides very fast, and than becomes a bizarrelly fanatic... When he says he's trying to "get out bu he can" is hilarious. A shame, really. The subject seems quite interesting.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful

4

KennethC.May 14, 2007

I agree completely with the Doug S. review. All the raw material (good actors, good topic) is present to be a good or even great film. But it turns out to be a boring, sloppy, not cohesive product.

0 of 2 users found this helpful

9

veeMar 16, 2007

Seen it at a festival last summer. Poignant story, powerful acting, beautiful cinematography.