» The Wind That Shakes the Barley

The Wind That Shakes the Barley Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: the irish had it right
Comment: the irish had it right as to how to kick out the colonial brits from their country. that is the only way to kick out the brutal exploiter/oppressor. and contrary to popular perception, the brits didn't exit india due to gandhi's ahimsa (non-violence) - but as a british diplomat revealed a few years back it was due to the rebellion of indian soldiers (who formed the bulk of the british army in india) in the naval mutiny and increasing popularity of the indian national army of subash chandra bose. even as they rule the brits had a similar pattern to their exit - divide and conquer. so no surprise that after their exit the irish turned on each other just like the hindus and muslims did in india.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A Brief Opinion
Comment: I'm fortunate enough to have studied the struggles of the Irish, and to call many Irish people my friends, and to have visited their country many times, and on account of that, and as a follower of Irish history it's hard for me to view this movie through naive eyes. It is one of my top 5 favorite films. It is harsh and brutal. It is the only movie to ever make me want to tear at my hair and sob (and I am not the sort of person to feel this way about much of anything). What I see in this film is a beautiful and tragic tale of a people so determined to have their freedom, unwilling to give in, to accept defeat in order to alleviate suffering. The film shows what the Irish people are still in some ways torn between; Catholics vs. Protestants, The North vs. the Republic. Loyalists vs. Nationalists. It's all one in the same in most regards, but I would think that for anyone who doesn't know the history that the movie would still be great because it's a FASCINATING tale and might only make you want to type a few questions into google in order to educate oneself further and there is nothing at all wrong with a movie which leaves you with a feeling such as that. The Wind That Shakes the Barley is worthy of watching for any adult... It's different, it's engrossing, it's impassioned, it's everything you could ask for from a movie, except much laughter... I recommend it to every person I know. It is a brilliant film, not the usual Hollywood junk food.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: great but sad
Comment: I enjoyed this movie very much and felt that it pulled at the heart strings of Ireland's sad history. Events very much like this took place at the early part of the 1900's and was condoned by the British government. Well acted and portrayed

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Brother Against Brother
Comment: Set in the early 1920s, "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" tells the story of two Irish brothers at first united in the struggle for independence from England, but ultimately torn apart by the civil strife that followed. Damien (Cillian Murphy) is a bright medical student who, on his way to study in London, witnesses British atrocities and chooses instead to stay home and join the resistance group led by his brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney). Despite his initial reluctance to get involved in the fighting, Damien grows increasingly steadfast and unyielding in his Republican (and Marxist) convictions. Damien's unwavering allegiance to his ideals places him in a heartbreaking position--at one wrenching point in the film, making him the executioner of a lifelong friend.

The deepest tragedy comes after the IRA signs a truce with England, splitting former comrades into opposing camps. Some, like Teddy, hail the truce as a victory they do not want to jeopardize with continued violence. However, the agreement falls short of granting Ireland full independence, and in Damien's eyes, accepting it means "selling out" the martyrs who died for true autonomy. In the ensuing turmoil, brother turns against brother with heartrending results.

Powerful performances by Murphy, Delaney, and Orla Fitzgerald (Sinead, a participant in the resistance who falls in love with Damien) make "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" an affecting film. The movie shows the very personal consequences of the political rift in Ireland, while imparting the positions of both sides in a nuanced manner. A beautiful soundtrack and enchanting scenery create a haunting backdrop.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Comment: A beautiful film. I love being able to find things on Amazon that are just plain hard to find anywhere else. The seller provided it as promised and well within the shipment window promised.

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