Review of The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) by Dan S — 28 Nov 2011

I went on IMDB and looked up Ken Loach's filmography and I didn't see or recognize any of his past works. I probably didn't need to because The Wind that Shakes the Barley must be his best film. He has a beautiful way of saturating the screen with lush environments of the beautiful Ireland during troubled times. His mood that he sets nails the message of what's going on: the British are controlling Ireland, and after a brush with the British Army that left Damien's (Murphy) mate dead, he decides to rebel. Eventually, they get a treaty, but the film is far from over. The republicans (rebels) despise this new treaty. They see it as a disgrace to the Irish origin because so many Irish are pledging allegiance to the British monarch. Therefore, the Republicans are no longer fighting the British, but each other; it's now a civil war!

The acting and directing is so well done that it immerses you into the dispute that we (or most of us) Canadians know so little about. The arguments are intriguing, such as, when the Republicans are arguing with a judge who charges a man who's supplying them with arms. The debate goes on for a bit, but we don't get bored; it earns this moment, because the problems these people are going through are understandable and pitiful (and the superb acting really adds some juice to these amazing scenes!).

I believe that in the theatre, they should include subtitles, because the Irish accent is so difficult to comprehend. However, the art of the film is so extravagant that it could pass as a silent film! It's extremely unfortunate though that this film is so difficult to find at theatres. I had to hunt down the AMC at the Interchange near Toronto to see this film!

On another note, Loach really understands how to approach the film and when to place each scene. For example, he throws in some comic relief, when a lad comes to deliver a message, "Very urgent!" he says. And it turns out the kid drops the message, and the Republicans have to search for it in the road.

Of course, the ending is sad and effective; but unpredictable. This is because the beginning and middle of this film builds up so much sympathy for the characters that we emotionally break out (maybe not in tears, but in distress) when they meet a particular fate.

The only real problem with this movie is that it can get too serious, and they seem to want to talk and talk in particular sections. Some may not care or even notice this when they go see it (you better see it!) but I did go drowsy at the odd time. However, it remains intense, immersive, and powerful. I finally can state that I shook as much as the barley after this flick, even though I've got no idea why it's called The Wind that Shakes the Barley. Ah, who cares!