The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)

Synopsis: Cillian Murphy plays Damien, a young doctor in the Irish Republic during the 1920s. Except, the Irish Republic isn't a republic anymore because it is under the attack of the British Empire. So Damien and his not-so-merry lads decide to form a rebellious coalition against the tyranny. But they are out-maned, out-armed and pretty much out-classed in very aspect of war. But the thing they got going for them is their heart and determination. And the fact that they swore to the independant parliment of the Republic back in the day. And even though everyone else in Ireland have lost the will to fight, these lads will pay any price to keep their freedom alive.

Should You Watch It? This isn't a war movie in the traditional sense where a Major usually played by Bruce Willis is going out against all odds and killing hundreds of people. Instead, this is a slow paced, melodrama representation of what it was like during the war for independance. Moreover, this movie focuses on the inter-personal dynamic between families and friends when it came to deciding which side to choose. It's a powerful piece of cinema if you can sit through it and if you can get the English which is a bit tricky at times, especially during all the yelling and cussin'.

Things to Watch Out For: This film represents both side of the argument quite well. On the one hand, you have Damien arguing about the fundamentals of freedom and democracy which will push the British into a full war with Ireland. On the other, you have people who just want to live their lives in peace and they can do that if they just swear an oath to the United Kingdom. Both sides are valid and in a perfect world they would be the same thing. But the world is anything but perfect and this split in ideals can pry apart the tightest bonds and this movie does a brilliant job in bringing that struggle to life.

Things You Don't Expect: This is probably the most accessible war movie you will find. It doesn't have the high action or high gore of traditional war movies like Saving Private Ryan or a lot of angry shouting. But it makes it up by adding a strong romantic element as well as a very emotional family dilemma. I know I keep bashing the Irish English but it's really alright in this film. On a down note, I was pretty disappointed with the special effects, especially with the gun shooting. Perhaps that's what bullets did back in the day and maybe they just didn't show any blood to keep the rating down but still felt like a cop out.

Final Comments:
Story: 8.0 (Paul Laverty: screen play)
Direction: 6.8 (Ken Loach)
Acting: 8.5
Cinematography: 7.6
Music/Sound: 6.8

Entertainment Value: 7.4 (not an average)