"The Wind That Shakes the Barley," unfortunately, is a movie with a bulletproof topic: no one dares criticize a film about the Irish troubles. Through what one can only describe as nondirection, Ken Loach manages to squander not only any dramatic impact the story might have but also two very fine performances from Cillian Murphy and Padraic Delaney, who, along with the nonprofessional remainder of the cast, are left to flounder along (sometimes literally, as Mr. Murphy in one scene falls flat on his face running down a road) in a sort of improv-hour mess. Had this been a film about a more pedestrian topic, it would be receiving the critical drubbing it deserves.… Collapse

Seen it at a festival last summer. Poignant story, powerful acting, beautiful cinematography.

This is a must see for anyone with the slightest interest in what has happened in Ireland. It is a harrowing story which gives an insight of the hardship and pain caused by imperialist Britain in the earlier 20th century and how they fought back. Something that nobody can deny and is quite insulting towards the Irish people to do so. It also shows how torn apart the Irish people became after the treaty was signed to split the country which is an open sore that is still unhealed to this day.… Expand

One of the most powerful films ive ever seen. People unfamiliar with Irish history may be confused by the politics. Do not confuse the modern day IRA with the one presented in the film, not the same. Loach could probably got a load of Hollywood actors to star in this one like almost all othe Irish films and the result is obvious... its REAL.

Mr Pedro B, I have to disagree with you completely. Loach is not being one sided. If you knew anything about what has happened in Ireland this last hundred years or so you would know that the English don't have a foot to stand on. I would like you to research the background of this film and you will see that the British came to THIS country and made lives hell for no reason. Obviously the Irish fought back.. but I am aware the Irish are not angles but this film depicts what ACTUALLY happened. It is based on TRUE events! So it is not ONE SIDED. If it did show it from the British point of veiw, you will still see the British wrecking houses and brutally murdering people! Ok! Loach has done an excellent job in showing how the troubles turned brother against brother. It is a very powerful film and truly thought-provoking.… Expand

Damien(Cillian Murphy) is the one with brains, London-bound, a future doctor. He's educated. He's supposed to be the sanest of the bunch. Alas, Damien is the trigger-man when it's time to execute a young Irish farmhand to an English baron who sold his mates out to the enemy. Instead of saving lives, he's ending them. Just in case we missed the irony, he tells us. Does the filmmaker show too heavy a hand in exemplifying the horrors of a civil war? That's debatable. War isn't subtle, and yet, you have to wonder if Damien's transformation from a reluctant soldier to a cold-blooded murderer is entirely organic, or the grand gesture of a radicalized filmmaker. Nevertheless, this particular scene, and Damien's ensuing comeuppance is riveting stuff. "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" works. At least the filmmaker shows some restraint. The niceties of English culture are largely kept off-screen. There's no tea-time, no crumpets, no butlers in penguin suits. Also, the most heroic deed is performed by a young English soldier.… Expand

I liked this film because it's interesting and directed by Ken Loach. Cillian Murphy is a good actor and does his job well. It made my mom cry but that's not really saying much seeing as my mom started crying while reading a children's book. Overall a good film. I wish I'd learnt about the history first.

Heartbreakingly beautiful. An extremly well done film, wonderful acting, and beautiful cinematography. I found it to be a very moving story.

A good faithful account. Some would say that the movie was boring. But they're just Americans who think that Ireland at this time was like warfare in Iraq.

Well--after 50 minutes of nothing but bloody beatings and shootings and close-ups of anguished, wailing women, my husband and I left the theater. It was brutal. If an actual story takes place in this movie, it must be well after the first hour. Sorry. I know this subject is important, but watching that first hour was torture. Enter at your own peril.

Choosing IRA as heroes and England as PURE EVIL, the movie is so one-sided and plain, with a pedestrian approach, that you cam't see the psychological traits of the characters. Cillian changes sides very fast, and than becomes a bizarrelly fanatic... When he says he's trying to "get out bu he can" is hilarious. A shame, really. The subject seems quite interesting.

I agree completely with the Doug S. review. All the raw material (good actors, good topic) is present to be a good or even great film. But it turns out to be a boring, sloppy, not cohesive product.

With Ken Loach as the driving force behind this story nascent nationhood, it's no surprise that the 'occupying force' is treated with very little sensitivity. But, that said, 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley' spends almost equal time examining the implosion of civil war and it effects. It's both a harrowing and beautiful film to watch, with strong performances. Loach's occasional delving into improvised dialogue can sometimes come off as a little like dodgy takes, but for the most part they work here.… Expand