list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around The Wind That Shakes the Barley on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/The_Wind_That_Shakes_the_Barley/279847/default.aspx Title: The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Year: 2007
Director: Ken Loach
Plot: Two brothers are caught on differing sides of the battle for Irish freedom in this politically minded historical drama from veteran British filmmaker Ken Loach. It's 1920, and Damien O'Donovan (Cillian Murphy) has recently graduated from medical school. Damien plans to leave the small village in Ireland where he was born to take a job in London, much to the annoyance of his brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney), who is an Irish loyalist and wants to see the British stripped of their rule of his land. While visiting Peggy (Mary Riordan), a longtime friend of the family, Damien and Teddy witness a visit by "black and tans," British soldiers who supposedly keep the peace in Ireland; the soldiers turn violent and murder Michaeil (Lawrence Barry), Peggy's grandson, when they discover he only speaks Gaelic. Damien is radicalized by the event, and with Teddy joins the local chapter of the Irish Republican Army, who use violence to drive British troops out of the country. While the IRA is a poor and ill-equipped fighting force, their willingness to give their lives for their cause is taken very seriously by the British, who step up their reprisals against the locals; the black and tans even begin directing their violence and torture against women and children, including Damien's girlfriend, Sinead (Orla Fitzgerald). In 1921, Britain attempts to end the violence in Ireland by creating the Irish Free State, a compromise government which will give the Irish greater autonomy while Great Britain still retains final political control of the nation. Teddy sees this as a victory and believes it's an important first step to a truly free Ireland, but Damien sees the IRA's goal as nothing short of complete independence, and the brothers and allies soon become rivals in a battle neither side can win. The Wind That Shakes the Barley received the Golden Palm award as Best Picture at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 8
Number of Lists: 8
Number of blog posts: 4
Number of discussion threads: 3
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:01:04 GMTThe Wind That Shakes the Barley2007Ken LoachTwo brothers are caught on differing sides of the battle for Irish freedom in this politically minded historical drama from veteran British filmmaker <a href="/players/P____99998/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Ken Loach</a>. It's 1920, and Damien O'Donovan (<a href="/players/P___271775/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Cillian Murphy</a>) has recently graduated from medical school. Damien plans to leave the small village in Ireland where he was born to take a job in London, much to the annoyance of his brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney), who is an Irish loyalist and wants to see the British stripped of their rule of his land. While visiting Peggy (Mary Riordan), a longtime friend of the family, Damien and Teddy witness a visit by "black and tans," British soldiers who supposedly keep the peace in Ireland; the soldiers turn violent and murder Michaeil (Lawrence Barry), Peggy's grandson, when they discover he only speaks Gaelic. Damien is radicalized by the event, and with Teddy joins the local chapter of the Irish Republican Army, who use violence to drive British troops out of the country. While the IRA is a poor and ill-equipped fighting force, their willingness to give their lives for their cause is taken very seriously by the British, who step up their reprisals against the locals; the black and tans even begin directing their violence and torture against women and children, including Damien's girlfriend, Sinead (Orla Fitzgerald). In 1921, Britain attempts to end the violence in Ireland by creating the Irish Free State, a compromise government which will give the Irish greater autonomy while Great Britain still retains final political control of the nation. Teddy sees this as a victory and believes it's an important first step to a truly free Ireland, but Damien sees the IRA's goal as nothing short of complete independence, and the brothers and allies soon become rivals in a battle neither side can win. The Wind That Shakes the Barley received the Golden Palm award as Best Picture at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide8Taggedy Taggged (6-10)8433http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s279847.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Wind_That_Shakes_the_Barley/279847/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/blogs/warmovieblog/archive/2009/6/26/42816.aspx Post By: WarMovieBlog
Post To: WarMovieBlog Blog
Post Date: 6/26/2009 9:01:04 AM
Body: The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2007) IMDB There are war movies that make you cringe.  Either because of the violence or the atrocities portrayed, or the sheer evil that is shown....  and then there are films like The Wind That Shakes The Barley, which make you cringe for some of the above reasons, but for other reasons a little less obvious.The most obvious of which is that a country that we 'mercans hold in such high regard, namely the UK, could exact such a toll on such a nearby and similar neighbor, namely Ireland.  Yeah you could draw a similar (but not identical) parallel to the US Civil War, and I'll get to that, but there's just something about the way the situation in Ireland is brought to life in this film that leaves you asking yourself some questions. Of course, this film explores the war between the Irish and the British during the 1920's.  Namely the Irish want the Brits out, and want independence.  Of course the Brits won't have it, and a band of men form together and fight back guerrila style against the English oppressors.Just as the battle seems to be won, and a treaty is drafted, two of these brothers split.  One, Teddy (Dadraic Delaney) on the side of the newly formed, yet still mostly British government and the other, Damien (Cillian Murphy), on the side of principle."Barley" is a decidely gloomy picture.  I really can't say there was much to remember as being "uplifting" about it.  There's no victory, no celebration really to speak of.  The whole thing oozes of desperation on the part of the Republicans.  And that's probably just how it should be.The whole "brother vs. brother" thing has been explored before in films, mostly in regard to the US Civil War, the north vs. south dividing families, but I can't say I've seen a better portrayal of that than here.  In fact the ending (and I won't ruin it here) should leave you shocked and saddened.  It should.The Wind That Shakes The Barley is another one of those movies that we weren't really exposed to here in the states, and in fact the conflict within is one that we here tend to not understand, or simplify in terms that really aren't correct....  If you're at all interested in the roots of the conflict, which carried on through well into the latter part of the 20th century (and some would argue still today) then you need to watch this movie.  Yes, it is slanted heavily towards the Republican side of things, and not knowing everything I can't say how much is truth and how much is "propaganda" for lack of a better term... but its a good, thought-provoking, heart-twisting war movie nonetheless. The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2007) on Spout.com Originally posted on:War Movie Reviews and News
]]>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:01:04 GMTWarMovieBlogWarMovieBlog Blog6/26/2009 9:01:04 AMThe Wind That Shakes The Barley (2007) IMDB There are war movies that make you cringe.  Either because of the violence or the atrocities portrayed, or the sheer evil that is shown....  and then there are films like The Wind That Shakes The Barley, which make you cringe for some of the above reasons, but for other reasons a little less obvious.The most obvious of which is that a country that we 'mercans hold in such high regard, namely the UK, could exact such a toll on such a nearby and similar neighbor, namely Ireland.  Yeah you could draw a similar (but not identical) parallel to the US Civil War, and I'll get to that, but there's just something about the way the situation in Ireland is brought to life in this film that leaves you asking yourself some questions. Of course, this film explores the war between the Irish and the British during the 1920's.  Namely the Irish want the Brits out, and want independence.  Of course the Brits won't have it, and a band of men form together and fight back guerrila style against the English oppressors.Just as the battle seems to be won, and a treaty is drafted, two of these brothers split.  One, Teddy (Dadraic Delaney) on the side of the newly formed, yet still mostly British government and the other, Damien (Cillian Murphy), on the side of principle."Barley" is a decidely gloomy picture.  I really can't say there was much to remember as being "uplifting" about it.  There's no victory, no celebration really to speak of.  The whole thing oozes of desperation on the part of the Republicans.  And that's probably just how it should be.The whole "brother vs. brother" thing has been explored before in films, mostly in regard to the US Civil War, the north vs. south dividing families, but I can't say I've seen a better portrayal of that than here.  In fact the ending (and I won't ruin it here) should leave you shocked and saddened.  It should.The Wind That Shakes The Barley is another one of those movies that we weren't really exposed to here in the states, and in fact the conflict within is one that we here tend to not understand, or simplify in terms that really aren't correct....  If you're at all interested in the roots of the conflict, which carried on through well into the latter part of the 20th century (and some would argue still today) then you need to watch this movie.  Yes, it is slanted heavily towards the Republican side of things, and not knowing everything I can't say how much is truth and how much is "propaganda" for lack of a better term... but its a good, thought-provoking, heart-twisting war movie nonetheless. The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2007) on Spout.com Originally posted on:War Movie Reviews and News http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Polls/Re_What_is_your_favorite_Palme_d_Or_winner_from_th/657/42471/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: tadiv
Post To: Movie Polls
Post Date: 5/30/2009 11:12:15 PM
Body: I watched The Wind That Shakes the Barley tonight - it is really good... Tom
]]>Sun, 31 May 2009 03:12:15 GMTtadivMovie Polls5/30/2009 11:12:15 PM I watched The Wind That Shakes the Barley tonight - it is really good... Tom http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Polls/Re_What_is_your_favorite_Palme_d_Or_winner_from_th/657/42419/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: tadiv
Post To: Movie Polls
Post Date: 5/26/2009 8:27:51 PM
Body: I have not yet seen Entre les murs (The Class) or The Wind That Shakes the Barley (but I see it is available from Netflix on "instant" watching) and I suspect that either could take my vote. From the rest of the list, the tough choice is between 4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days) or L'enfant (The Child). I voted for L'enfant as I found myself much more engaged by the characters. Mind you, I did not like them at all, but that I was engaged to dislike them so convinced me that it was a really good film. It's an interesting list - I did not know what films were on it when I suggested it... Tom
]]>Wed, 27 May 2009 00:27:51 GMTtadivMovie Polls5/26/2009 8:27:51 PM I have not yet seen Entre les murs (The Class) or The Wind That Shakes the Barley (but I see it is available from Netflix on "instant" watching) and I suspect that either could take my vote. From the rest of the list, the tough choice is between 4 luni, 3 saptam&acirc;ni si 2 zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days) or L'enfant (The Child). I voted for L'enfant as I found myself much more engaged by the characters. Mind you, I did not like them at all, but that I was engaged to dislike them so convinced me that it was a really good film. It's an interesting list - I did not know what films were on it when I suggested it... Tom http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Polls/What_is_your_favorite_Palme_d_Or_winner_from_the_l/657/42409/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Movie Polls
Post Date: 5/26/2009 12:49:50 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. Thanks to tadiv for suggesting this one. - "In recognition of the Cannes Film Festival, what is your favorite Palme d'Or film from the last 6 years?" Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days)ElephantL'enfant (The Child)Entre les murs (The Class)Fahrenheit 9/11The Wind That Shakes the Barley
]]>Tue, 26 May 2009 16:49:50 GMTRisseladaMovie Polls5/26/2009 12:49:50 PMPlease reference this thread for the rules of this group. Thanks to tadiv for suggesting this one. - "In recognition of the Cannes Film Festival, what is your favorite Palme d'Or film from the last 6 years?" Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:4 luni, 3 saptam&acirc;ni si 2 zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days)ElephantL'enfant (The Child)Entre les murs (The Class)Fahrenheit 9/11The Wind That Shakes the Barley http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/7/22/32892.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 7/22/2008 12:00:34 PM
Body: If there’s one thing I relate to on the big screen, it’s the depiction of fraternal relationships. I’m the middle of three brothers (excluding the half-brother I only knew as a toddler and the former stepbrother I only knew briefly as an adult), and at different points in my life I’ve either hated them or considered them my best friends. So, yeah, I can’t wait to see Step Brothers, starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as new siblings who go from being enemies to BFFs when forced to live together. Choosing a handful of favorite movies about brotherhood is really tough. After all, tales of brothers go all the way back to almost the beginning, with the story of Cain and Abel. And a number of favorites can’t exactly be discussed, because the revelation of brothers, especially twin brothers, is often the surprise twist in films. So, before you start naming a thousand other films about brothers that I’ve forgotten (such as The Brothers McMullen and Legends of the Fall), keep in mind that I’ve actually left out a whole pile of brother films, and this is more of a personal favorites list. Coupe de Ville – If there’s one movie that seemed to define my brothers and I growing up, it’s this underrated road movie about three estranged siblings (played by Patrick Dempsey, Arye Gross and Daniel Stern) delivering the titular automobile to their father (Alan Arkin). As kids, my brothers and I couldn’t have been any more different, just like the guys in the movie. For at least half a decade, until he seemed to disappear after he left the sitcom Ellen, Gross was like my cinematic alter ego, just because I felt a kinship with his middle-brother character in Coupe de Ville so much. Twins – While I’m on the subject of identification, here’s another movie I was able to relate to, as my older brother was (in my young, confused mind) like Schwarzenegger and I was a fat kid. Now that we’re in our 30s, we’re fortunately more physically balanced (or is it just that my perception has matured?). The Godfather Part II – At one time or another, to one degree or another, most of us with brothers have unfortunately had fratricidal thoughts. Again, murdering one’s brother is a plot that goes back to The Book of Genesis, and the theme shows up in some of the greatest of stories, from Shakespeare’s Richard III to the Shakespearean animated film The Lion King. But as I never wanted to murder either of my brothers for gain of power, I’m including this film instead. Oh, wait, I guess I never actually struggled with the idea of whether or not to kill my brother because he’s a liability and an embarrassment, either. The Public Enemy – In fraternal stories, if brothers aren’t trying to kill each other, they’re at least following separate paths, morally and occupationally. Typically, one is a criminal and the other is a cop, politician or priest. This particular gangster film doesn’t portray the divergence as clearly as subsequent films, such as Johnny Dangerously, We Own the Night or any number of Bollywood films, including the classics Deewaar. But it’s the scene in which the brothers argue about their differences and, ultimately, their similarities, that makes the film that much more interesting. Amar Akbar Anthony – Like Deewaar, this film stars Indian superstar Amitabh Bachchan and is also about brothers. This time, though, there’s three of them, and each one allegorically represents a different prominent religious group of post-colonial India. Bachchan plays the Catholic one, and the film is worth checking out just for his musical number involving a giant Easter egg. The Best of Youth – Another film about brothers that also represents its nation’s history, this six-hour saga is even longer than the mere three hour Amar Akbar Anthony. If you’re ever in a fraternal mood, you can fill up a whole day of loosely learning about India and Italy via these movies. Or you can simply enjoy two great movies about brothers. American History X – After fratricide and divergence, another common plot involving brothers is the one found here: elder brother tries to keep younger from following in his footsteps. Interestingly enough, Edward Furlong plays the younger in both this film and in Little Odessa. Adaptation – My younger brother and I are differently creative, and in the past we’ve been mistaken for being twins (unlike me and my older brother being like Twins). So, of course, I had to be a sad sack and identify with the protagonist of the story, while viewing the character’s more popular, more successful brother as my own brother. I guess that would put the third act into a sort of wish fulfillment of fratricide. Maybe I need to stop this list before it upsets my currently great relationships with both my brothers. Big Night – Though differently creative, my younger brother and I have at times worked really well together. As many brothers in history have. Though we never attempted to operate a business together, we were in a band together. I guess for that reason I could have used The Blues Brothers here instead, but I like Big Night a whole hell of a lot more. The Darjeeling Limited – Return of the brotherly trio on a trip. Only this time the father has died (good ol’ Oedipal patricide is almost as popular as fratricide – not that any of the brothers killed Dad; I’m merely talking about wish fulfillment for the audience again) and the brothers are even more different (who would ever believe Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody as actual siblings?). I wonder if Wes Anderson ever saw Coupe de Ville. Or Amar Akbar Anthony. And here’s 10 more favorite brother films: Simple Men; Rain Man; La Bamba; Undertow; The Brothers Grimm; The City of Lost Children; The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford; Thirteen Days; The Funeral; The Wind that Shakes the Barley. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:00:34 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com7/22/2008 12:00:34 PM If there’s one thing I relate to on the big screen, it’s the depiction of fraternal relationships. I’m the middle of three brothers (excluding the half-brother I only knew as a toddler and the former stepbrother I only knew briefly as an adult), and at different points in my life I’ve either hated them or considered them my best friends. So, yeah, I can’t wait to see Step Brothers, starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as new siblings who go from being enemies to BFFs when forced to live together. Choosing a handful of favorite movies about brotherhood is really tough. After all, tales of brothers go all the way back to almost the beginning, with the story of Cain and Abel. And a number of favorites can’t exactly be discussed, because the revelation of brothers, especially twin brothers, is often the surprise twist in films. So, before you start naming a thousand other films about brothers that I’ve forgotten (such as The Brothers McMullen and Legends of the Fall), keep in mind that I’ve actually left out a whole pile of brother films, and this is more of a personal favorites list. Coupe de Ville – If there’s one movie that seemed to define my brothers and I growing up, it’s this underrated road movie about three estranged siblings (played by Patrick Dempsey, Arye Gross and Daniel Stern) delivering the titular automobile to their father (Alan Arkin). As kids, my brothers and I couldn’t have been any more different, just like the guys in the movie. For at least half a decade, until he seemed to disappear after he left the sitcom Ellen, Gross was like my cinematic alter ego, just because I felt a kinship with his middle-brother character in Coupe de Ville so much. Twins – While I’m on the subject of identification, here’s another movie I was able to relate to, as my older brother was (in my young, confused mind) like Schwarzenegger and I was a fat kid. Now that we’re in our 30s, we’re fortunately more physically balanced (or is it just that my perception has matured?). The Godfather Part II – At one time or another, to one degree or another, most of us with brothers have unfortunately had fratricidal thoughts. Again, murdering one’s brother is a plot that goes back to The Book of Genesis, and the theme shows up in some of the greatest of stories, from Shakespeare’s Richard III to the Shakespearean animated film The Lion King. But as I never wanted to murder either of my brothers for gain of power, I’m including this film instead. Oh, wait, I guess I never actually struggled with the idea of whether or not to kill my brother because he’s a liability and an embarrassment, either. The Public Enemy – In fraternal stories, if brothers aren’t trying to kill each other, they’re at least following separate paths, morally and occupationally. Typically, one is a criminal and the other is a cop, politician or priest. This particular gangster film doesn’t portray the divergence as clearly as subsequent films, such as Johnny Dangerously, We Own the Night or any number of Bollywood films, including the classics Deewaar. But it’s the scene in which the brothers argue about their differences and, ultimately, their similarities, that makes the film that much more interesting. Amar Akbar Anthony – Like Deewaar, this film stars Indian superstar Amitabh Bachchan and is also about brothers. This time, though, there’s three of them, and each one allegorically represents a different prominent religious group of post-colonial India. Bachchan plays the Catholic one, and the film is worth checking out just for his musical number involving a giant Easter egg. The Best of Youth – Another film about brothers that also represents its nation’s history, this six-hour saga is even longer than the mere three hour Amar Akbar Anthony. If you’re ever in a fraternal mood, you can fill up a whole day of loosely learning about India and Italy via these movies. Or you can simply enjoy two great movies about brothers. American History X – After fratricide and divergence, another common plot involving brothers is the one found here: elder brother tries to keep younger from following in his footsteps. Interestingly enough, Edward Furlong plays the younger in both this film and in Little Odessa. Adaptation – My younger brother and I are differently creative, and in the past we’ve been mistaken for being twins (unlike me and my older brother being like Twins). So, of course, I had to be a sad sack and identify with the protagonist of the story, while viewing the character’s more popular, more successful brother as my own brother. I guess that would put the third act into a sort of wish fulfillment of fratricide. Maybe I need to stop this list before it upsets my currently great relationships with both my brothers. Big Night – Though differently creative, my younger brother and I have at times worked really well together. As many brothers in history have. Though we never attempted to operate a business together, we were in a band together. I guess for that reason I could have used The Blues Brothers here instead, but I like Big Night a whole hell of a lot more. The Darjeeling Limited – Return of the brotherly trio on a trip. Only this time the father has died (good ol’ Oedipal patricide is almost as popular as fratricide – not that any of the brothers killed Dad; I’m merely talking about wish fulfillment for the audience again) and the brothers are even more different (who would ever believe Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody as actual siblings?). I wonder if Wes Anderson ever saw Coupe de Ville. Or Amar Akbar Anthony. And here’s 10 more favorite brother films: Simple Men; Rain Man; La Bamba; Undertow; The Brothers Grimm; The City of Lost Children; The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford; Thirteen Days; The Funeral; The Wind that Shakes the Barley. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/blogs/cinemarian/archive/2008/5/12/28519.aspx Post By: CinemaRian
Post To: CinemaRian Blog
Post Date: 5/12/2008 10:19:47 AM
Body: Note: I didn't have space in the title to list that the year is of some dispute, as it released in Europe in 2006 but in America this year. Also, it is a co-production of Irish, English, German, Italian and Spanish companies. The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a stunning historical film that at times is so realistic it seems like you're watching a documentary. It covers the a key period in Ireland's history, from the rebellion shortly after World War One to the Irish Civil War that followed. It is a riveting and exciting piece of cinema, and something more- inspirational. No other film appreciates the brave sacrifice of the normal Irishmen and woman who gave up their careers, and in some cases, there lives, so that their country could be free. Watching this film, I wondered if I would be able to do the things that these freedom fighters do for my country. Would I able to be tortured or watch my friends be tortured? Would I be able to kill people, believing that it served the greater good? Would I be able to give up a safe, money making career and stand up for what's right? I hope so, but more than that. I hope I never have to find out. The film follows a series of normal people who are harassed, humiliated, and beaten by British soldiers for the "crime" of playing a soccer game, after which one of them dies. The rest decide to join the IRA, but there is one holdout- Damien (Cillian Murphey), who has a promising career a doctor, as well as Socialist pacifist sympathies. He is finally persuaded when he witnesses the conductor of his train be savagely beaten by a British army officer after the conductor follows a union order not to transport British soldiers. Damien and the other men have no military experience and are not ready to fight. It is not in their nature to commit acts of violence and their willingness to do so is an indication of their bravery. One of the most moving scenes in the film follows Damien as he must execute a traitor to the Irish cause that he grew up with. He knows that more lives will be saved the execution, but that doesn't make it easier. As we follow the exploits of the Irish campaign against their foreign occupiers, we also see that there are internal differences within the cause that boil over when they finally win, and the cause is divided again. The majority supports a peace treaty which will give them something like 70% of what they wanted, the rest want the war to continue until absolute victory, which to Damien and his supporters also means establishing a Socialist Ireland. Here the movie becomes heartbreaking, as Damien and his brother (Padraic Delaney) find themselves on different sides, and both are absolutely committed to their duty. This is war at horrible worst, and portrays one the tragedies of the human condition- both men are convinced they are doing the right thing for the most people. The Wind That Shakes the Barley is the best film ever made about the Anglo-Irish conflict, and one of the best and smartest of all war films period, which means it's close to a masterpiece. The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)
]]>Mon, 12 May 2008 14:19:47 GMTCinemaRianCinemaRian Blog5/12/2008 10:19:47 AMNote: I didn't have space in the title to list that the year is of some dispute, as it released in Europe in 2006 but in America this year. Also, it is a co-production of Irish, English, German, Italian and Spanish companies. The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a stunning historical film that at times is so realistic it seems like you're watching a documentary. It covers the a key period in Ireland's history, from the rebellion shortly after World War One to the Irish Civil War that followed. It is a riveting and exciting piece of cinema, and something more- inspirational. No other film appreciates the brave sacrifice of the normal Irishmen and woman who gave up their careers, and in some cases, there lives, so that their country could be free. Watching this film, I wondered if I would be able to do the things that these freedom fighters do for my country. Would I able to be tortured or watch my friends be tortured? Would I be able to kill people, believing that it served the greater good? Would I be able to give up a safe, money making career and stand up for what's right? I hope so, but more than that. I hope I never have to find out. The film follows a series of normal people who are harassed, humiliated, and beaten by British soldiers for the "crime" of playing a soccer game, after which one of them dies. The rest decide to join the IRA, but there is one holdout- Damien (Cillian Murphey), who has a promising career a doctor, as well as Socialist pacifist sympathies. He is finally persuaded when he witnesses the conductor of his train be savagely beaten by a British army officer after the conductor follows a union order not to transport British soldiers. Damien and the other men have no military experience and are not ready to fight. It is not in their nature to commit acts of violence and their willingness to do so is an indication of their bravery. One of the most moving scenes in the film follows Damien as he must execute a traitor to the Irish cause that he grew up with. He knows that more lives will be saved the execution, but that doesn't make it easier. As we follow the exploits of the Irish campaign against their foreign occupiers, we also see that there are internal differences within the cause that boil over when they finally win, and the cause is divided again. The majority supports a peace treaty which will give them something like 70% of what they wanted, the rest want the war to continue until absolute victory, which to Damien and his supporters also means establishing a Socialist Ireland. Here the movie becomes heartbreaking, as Damien and his brother (Padraic Delaney) find themselves on different sides, and both are absolutely committed to their duty. This is war at horrible worst, and portrays one the tragedies of the human condition- both men are convinced they are doing the right thing for the most people. The Wind That Shakes the Barley is the best film ever made about the Anglo-Irish conflict, and one of the best and smartest of all war films period, which means it's close to a masterpiece. The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) http://www.spout.com/blogs/beatmeoutofme/archive/2007/6/29/12597.aspx Post By: beatmeoutofme
Post To: beatmeoutofme Blog
Post Date: 6/29/2007 1:11:14 PM
Body: If you haven't seen the movie Michael Collins and you don't know anything about the formation of the Irsish free state this movie might be hard to follow. It is a very good film showing both sides of the story for Irish Independence. I enjoyed the cinemotography and the acting was very good. Overall It was a great film.
]]>Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:11:14 GMTbeatmeoutofmebeatmeoutofme Blog6/29/2007 1:11:14 PMIf you haven't seen the movie Michael Collins and you don't know anything about the formation of the Irsish free state this movie might be hard to follow. It is a very good film showing both sides of the story for Irish Independence. I enjoyed the cinemotography and the acting was very good. Overall It was a great film. http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/war/MemberTagFilms.aspxwar
Number of films tagged: 6176

Number of people who tagged: 180

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]]>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:50:24 GMT6176180607Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/drama/MemberTagFilms.aspxdrama
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]]>Sun, 30 Sep 2007 10:40:37 GMT111Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/politicalunrest/MemberTagFilms.aspxpoliticalunrest
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]]>Mon, 25 May 2009 13:41:41 GMT17811Tag