Review of The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) by Kathy T — 04 Sep 2008
Similar to Braveheart in its freedom achieving against the British empire. Here however it is handled slightly better. Although the English are still shown as mostly one dimensional characters who mutter the single repeated line "You Irish bastards" at least there are attempts at humanity with one officer detailing the stresses of the soldiers in WW1 and a Scottish soldier who sympathises with the Irish.
Probably after watching Braveheart. The real great moments of this film detail the hypocrisy of just about everyone. Murphy is brilliant as first the reluctant executioner and then the hard ass patriot.
The film shows how he chastises his ex collegues for shooting an unarmed man in the back when it is one of his own, yet he has no problems when it was the English. We also get a great counterpart in Delaney who goes from no compromise, to taking the wealth of the rich to finally settling with the Brits.
It is the arguments of these two that drive the film. Just a shame that it doesn't really take off until the midway point. Beautifully shot, but awkwardly paced in moments where it can't balance politics, action and drama.
This review of The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) was written by Kathy T on 04 Sep 2008.
The Wind That Shakes the Barley has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
