The Wind That Shakes the Barley
I am a big fan of Irish cinema (and books, music, etc.) and Ken Loach. So it is no surprise that I was most anxious to see this Palm D'Or winning film. And I was not disappointed.
The story takes place in 1920s Ireland. The Irish want to break away from British rule (the British used to be a great and controlling empire). Damien (Cillian Murphy) is on his way to London to work as a doctor. Many of his comrades try to persuade him to stay and fight for the Irish cause but he feels that he can be of great service to the sick in Britain. Not even the brutal death of a friend changes his mind. But other events happen and Damien finally realizes that fighting for Irish freedom is more important than working as a doctor. The groups' leaders include Damien's brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney) and friend Dan (Liam Cunningham). The fighting is fierce and there are casualties on both sides. But in between fighting Damien finds himself falling in love with the feisty Sinead (Orla Fitzgerald).
The Wind That Shakes the Barley (the title is from an Irish poem) is indeed a fine film. I have seen a number of films that depict the Irish struggle at this time in history. But what makes this film so special is that it portrays the struggle between those who were happy with the treaty (brokered by Michael Collins) and those who opposed it. It comes down to brother against brother. While Loach may be sympathetic to the Irish cause (as I am but I am opposed to the violence on both sides) he by no means portrays the rebels as saints. Damien, who was trained to save people, has done some things that haunt him.
Murphy once again proves what a great actor he is. His Damien is both fierce and sensitive at the same time. And both Delaney and Cunningham are wonderful in their roles. Loach and his long-time screenwriter Paul Laverty have created a film that is not only intelligent but also packs an emotional punch. And the film is beautifully photographed by another long time Loach collaborator, Barry Ackroyd.
The Wind That Shakes the Barley doesn't offer any easy answers. It just helps us to once again see that no matter what part of the world are in war is hell. That message resonated for me loud and clear as I left the theater in tears.
The story takes place in 1920s Ireland. The Irish want to break away from British rule (the British used to be a great and controlling empire). Damien (Cillian Murphy) is on his way to London to work as a doctor. Many of his comrades try to persuade him to stay and fight for the Irish cause but he feels that he can be of great service to the sick in Britain. Not even the brutal death of a friend changes his mind. But other events happen and Damien finally realizes that fighting for Irish freedom is more important than working as a doctor. The groups' leaders include Damien's brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney) and friend Dan (Liam Cunningham). The fighting is fierce and there are casualties on both sides. But in between fighting Damien finds himself falling in love with the feisty Sinead (Orla Fitzgerald).
The Wind That Shakes the Barley (the title is from an Irish poem) is indeed a fine film. I have seen a number of films that depict the Irish struggle at this time in history. But what makes this film so special is that it portrays the struggle between those who were happy with the treaty (brokered by Michael Collins) and those who opposed it. It comes down to brother against brother. While Loach may be sympathetic to the Irish cause (as I am but I am opposed to the violence on both sides) he by no means portrays the rebels as saints. Damien, who was trained to save people, has done some things that haunt him.
Murphy once again proves what a great actor he is. His Damien is both fierce and sensitive at the same time. And both Delaney and Cunningham are wonderful in their roles. Loach and his long-time screenwriter Paul Laverty have created a film that is not only intelligent but also packs an emotional punch. And the film is beautifully photographed by another long time Loach collaborator, Barry Ackroyd.
The Wind That Shakes the Barley doesn't offer any easy answers. It just helps us to once again see that no matter what part of the world are in war is hell. That message resonated for me loud and clear as I left the theater in tears.
posted by Film Fanatic | 3:09 PM
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