The wind that shakes the barley

Britain 2006

Picture and details britishfilms

Seen 31 August 2006.

The English are cruel. That is the first impression I get from the first scenes. I guess that will apply to all masters looked at from the point of view of the servants. The film focuses on Damian who gets involved during the early years of the Irish Republican Army. He was reluctant at first since he had ambitions to further his career as a doctor in London. But the death of his friend started the ball rolling and he becomes an ardent supporter of the cause. He even shot a young man whom he knew as a child but was condemned as a traitor to the revolution. Damian's fate at the end was a reflection of his conviction in his beliefs to the ideals of the movement. This film should be seen by all especially those in power over others irrespective of whether it was justified or not in the beginning. The conquered will always have that ill-feeling towards their masters. That grudge will be hardened and revenge will be the only keyword recognised when the masters show no humanity in dealing with the issues. Man want to be free. A basic need to carve their own destiny.