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| Movie Review: The Wind that Shakes the Barley Alternate Title: When Irish Eyes are Crying
Story: Within the first ten
minutes of this terrific film by director Ken Loach
I was ready to pick up a gun and join the IRA in their ages old fight
against the British. In this Palme D'or award winner at Cannes (beating
out Volver and Babel) we find ourselves in 1920's Ireland revisiting
another shameful chapter in the Irish/British history. Loach and co-writer Paul Laverty
explore the lives of two brothers, one a revolutionary and one a would-be
doctor who find themselves embroiled in Ireland's struggle for Independence.
The film tracks the period of rebellion before the truce that ultimately
set apart Northern Ireland and began the 'troubles' with which we are
all so familiar. The second part of the film traces the results of that
'truce' that set brother against brother and neighbor against neighbor.
This is a powerful, emotionally depleting film to watch. It is honest,
political and real. Loach spends time on the politics of this awful
history and how some viewed the truce as a betrayal and how others viewed
it as a step towards independence. These topics are relevant today as
well. If you like your films with harsh reality, tough stances against the
British, fine acting, beautiful cinematography and a wee bit of the
Irish than this film is for you. Acting: Cillian Murphy (28 Days
Later, Breakfast on Pluto, Batman Returns) is joining my favorite
actor list with this amazing performance. He is fine to look at and
always gives a powerful performance. Padraic Delaney
as his brother is also riveting. The rest of the cast is perfect too.
Predilection: Long time Lobo readers know that I
have a thing for films about 'the troubles' and tend to like all things
Irish (except their NYC parade).
Critters: A three legged dog, cows, horses and a
donkey.
Food: Other than some gruel there is no time to eat
when you are a revolutionary
Soundtrack: Emotionally strong.
Opening Titles: Simple type set over the always beautiful
Irish countryside.
Visual Art: Ireland is a landscape painter's dream.
Theater Audience: Crowded on St. Patrick's Day morning.
Weather: Fog, rain, chill and sun - all things Irish.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: There is a torture scene that is very
difficult to watch. The British are portrayed as brutal occupiers.
Drift Factor: I did not drift for a second.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: I admit to using a tissue.
Oscar Worthy: Why not?
Soap Box: We are still feeling the ill effects of
the Imperialist occupations of the British Empire around the world today.
Big Screen or Rental: This is a fine film that should
be seen on the big screen. For some of my other favorite films about
'the troubles' you could rent An Everlasting Piece, Bloody Sunday,
Blown Away, In the Name of the Father, Some Mother's Son, The Boxer,
The Crying Game, Michael Collins, The Informer, The Devil's Own and
The Outsider.
Length: Close enough to two hours for me.
LOBO HOWLS: 8.5
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