undreechileno From a standpoint of an admirer of Irish culture and history, I will try to say a few words about this film. Firstly I will go ahead and agree with the one of the previous reviews on the fact that the events portrayed in the film are most likely true. However, the very film seems like a poor propaganda, resembling a few pathetic Yugoslavian communist films. It most certainly lacks constructive plot. Sadly, even though the Irish were on the righteous side of this fight, after watching this, it might make you feel that they weren't and they just tried to make things right with this film. Dialogues lack drama but doubtlessly do not lack clichés. Clear proof of this is a case in which Brits raid rebels' homes and in this occasion manage to call them by every single derogatory name (mick bastard, fenian bastard, Irish prick,etc.)The director tried to adapt the tragic and heroic events from Irish history into a movie but failed hard to so. One time I watched Come and See (Idi i Smotri), a Belorussian film about WWII. This film left me with such strong impression that I wished to go out and kill a whole lot of Nazis. This is the kind of emotion that a good historical film should trigger. THIS FILM, HOWEVER, DOES THE VERY OPPOSITE. IT IS NOT WORTHY OF THIS BEAUTIFUL, POETIC TITLE WHICH WAS ACTUALLY TAKEN FROM AN OLD IRISH BALLAD. You might as well skip this one, don't throw away 2 hours of your life.

nox09 movie convey the difficult situation and the anger , violence of that time in Ireland . It shows threw what pain and grief people went fighting against British , fighting for something they believed in. Acting was excellent same as Cinematography . Any conflict, once started, takes on a life of its own. One act of violence leads to another in retaliation and the cycle continues . you clearly see how Cillian Murphy is getting affected by this events and how they transform him , the movie came a little short on human drama until the late ending of the movie which was heartbreaking to watch . "it's easy to see what you are fighting against but it's harder to know what are you fighting for" Great Movie . the movie is similar to Breaveheart but a little less powerful on emotional level

HeidiELove Starring: Cillian Murphy, Liam Cunningham and Padraic Delaney this historical drama is about two brothers who find themselves on opposing sides in Ireland's struggle for freedom from Britain.With Ken Loach in the driving Activist seat, this is basically a War Movie - Dark and Forlorn but it has attributes of a deeply motivated tragedy that speculates the subject of Violence/ Family and ultimately Love. Cillian Murphy's performance really pushes the boundaries of how harrowing civil war is and how it deeply and beautifully effects everything he truly believes in. the music and cinematography is excellent. Ken Louch again challenges another issue for the Irish Republican Army. Another Great Irish Flick!!!!

Branden Murphy The Wind that Shakes the Barley is an inspirational film of dedication and perseverance. It delves into the world of family division and fighting for a seemingly hopeless cause. Teddy fights for a resolve to the oppression of the English but his younger brother Damien strives for complete emancipation. Through dialogue, camera angles and plot the film gives the impression that the potentially fatal devotion to liberty Damien has is correct and justified. The director positions the viewer to agree with and accept Damien's idealistic pursuit.The film seems to follow Damien as the main character; the director focuses on him. Out of all the pertinent characters, Damien has the most development. He has story lines aside from the battle for freedom. We relate to Damien and therefore believe his stand points are just and reasonable. Damien has a girl in his life. He has someone to worry about beside himself. He is fighting for her safety as well as his own. The director intentionally expanded on Damien's character more than his opposite Teddy. Damien had close friendships with other characters. Damien and Dan's relationship grew as the plot carried on. Through the conversations he had with Dan parts of his personality and opinions were displayed. The writer did not give any of the other men a more dimensional character, beside a soldier. Due to the humanization of Damien's character we are naturally drawn to view his goal as honourable and dignified.