Genre: Drama/War

Director: Ken Loach

Certificate: The Wind that Shakes the Barley was rated 15A by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie) i.e. suitable for those of 15 years of age or upwards. Persons under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Violence = strong. Drugs = none. Sex/Nudity = none. Language = strong.

The story starts in a small rural community in West Cork, Ireland, in 1920, trainee doctor Damien (Cillian Murphy) prepares to travel to London to continue his training. Even when one of Damien's friends is beaten to death by the British 'Black and Tans' he is determined to avoid getting caught in the politics of the time, but as he goes to the take the train he witnesses another brutal incident by the British Army. Damien changes his mind about leaving and ends up joining his brother fighting the British in the Irish War of Independence.  This war leads to the Anglo-Irish Treaty which has families split - those who support the Treaty and those who don't - civil war erupts.  Comrades become enemies as family and friends find themselves divided and on different sides.

Palme d'Or winner The Wind that Shakes the Barley is a powerful story that will, of course, mean more to the Irish than anyone else although similar conflicts have taken place throughout the world.  It's a compelling story that doesn't shy away from showing the brutality and tragedy of events at the time.  As a result it can be quite violence at in parts, and while criticised, in some quarters, for being unbalanced in its depiction of British soldiers there is no denying the brutality of the British troops especially the despised 'Black and Tans'.  The 'Black and Tans' were an auxiliary force who were employed to suppress revolution in Ireland.  The force helped to boost the ranks of the Royal Irish Constabulary to police an increasingly anti-British Ireland.

The acting, from the mostly Irish cast, is excellent with Cillian Murphy and Pádraic Delaney giving outstanding performances.  The passion and determination of the characters is evident.  Murphy hails from Cork, and Delaney from Wexford.  There is good support from, Dublin born, Liam Cunningham.

At times the film has a low budget production feel to it but this doesn't really take from the film and perhaps helps keep the focus on the story and the characters.  There are no elaborate fighting scenes to distract from the story.

Bottom Line: A powerful story that is well told and acted.  The Wind that Shakes the Barley really captures the brutality, idealism, passion, and tragedy of the characters and events in the story.

Lasting Thought: I have heard some argue that this is history - it is in the past - we must move on - but these events in the early 1920's have had an effect on the last 80 years of Irish History, right up to this very day.

Reviewed by Niall Quinn, Premier Movie Reviews 2006.

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CILLIAN MURPHY: Batman Begins,  Cold Mountain,  Girl With A Pearl Earring,  Intermission.

Cillian Murphy

Pádraic Delaney

Liam Cunningham

Orla Fitzgerald

Mary Riordan

Mary Murphy

Laurence Barry

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