The Wind That Shakes the Barley

Ken Loach's staggering and brilliant film about oppression and its consequences delves deeper into the psychology of the individuals whose lives are shattered by the casualties of war. It also points out that not every body's cut for war and the consequences go far behind the battlefield. The film is set in Ireland but could be set in Afghanistan or Iraq where families are torn apart and loyalties put to test. Cillian Murphy gives a powerful performance as the reluctant Damian who tries to stay out of trouble and planning to continues his studies as a doctor in London while brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney) has joined the IRA to fight the British occupation and oppression. When Damian joins Teddy, he takes matters further than Teddy and the brothers end up against each other when the nation goes into civil war over a peace treaty with the Brits. Ken Loach and writer Paul Laverty's film couldn't have come at a better time and deservedly won the Palme d'Or in Cannes. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.