The Wind That Shakes the Barley

IFC First Take | Release Date: March 16, 2007

7.9	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 76 Ratings

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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

0 of 1 users found this helpful

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