Review of The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) by Nan D — 11 Nov 2009

From a purely historical point of view I am personally more interested in the bigger picture than periphery individual actors(this movie focuses on two brothers who participate in the Irish War of Independence and then, the Irish Civil War); with that said however, I found it to be a rather poignant and well made film, as the conceit of using the trials and tribulations of these county lads as a synecdoche for the wider conflict works very well, and I especially liked how it doesn't glorify war.

Thanks to Hollywood, one expects there to be something epic about these sort of movies, which this movie's focus on ordinary people, its unvarnished portrayal of bloodshed, and its short length(124 minutes) doesn't, and which though slightly disappointing is rather fitting given the overall tone of the movie.

Hence, its worth watching if you're a sucker for pathos and drama, not if you're expecting an Irish 'Che Guevara' or Rambo.