The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Cert 15
124 min

Director: Ken Loach. Starring: Cillian Murphy, Padraic Delaney, Liam Cunningham, Siobhan McSweeney, Orla Fitzgerald. "How are we going to fight a war with a hurley?" Palme d’Or winning film The Wind that Shakes the Barley directed by Ken Loach. The film’s is title adapted from an old Irish folk song. Set in 1920’s Ireland the film examines the reasons a group of young men join the republican struggles.

The film stars Cillian Murphy, as Damien a young medical student who reluctantly becomes a republican volunteer. The events lead up to the Anglo-Irish agreement which, led to dividing republicans into two, those who were for the Anglo-Irish agreement and those who felt betrayed by the lack of independence. It is then that Damien’s brother played by Padraic Delaney, are turned against each other, which can only lead to tragedy.

The film has a very pro Irish feeling, with Loach’s portrayal of the British (Black and Tans) as brutal murderers.  This low budget film is flawlessly made and acted, with very passionate performances from both Cillian Murphy and Padraic Delaney. There are many scenes of torture, death and poverty displayed in the rawest form. A very moving drama that is not light viewing, but well worth watching.

From Constant Replica