A plain-spoken film of true grit that tells the dishonorable heartbreak of war like it is. A gem of filmic honesty in an entertainment world obsessed with heroic actions and simple solutions.
Comment
03/15/07
The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2007)
88
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:108
Fresh:95
Rotten:13
Average Rating:7.6/10
Consensus: Bleak and uncompromising, but director Ken Loach brightens his film with gorgeous cinematography and tight pacing, and features a fine performance from Cillian Murphy.
Theatrical Release:Mar 16, 2007 Limited
Box Office: $1,779,320
Synopsis: Set in 1916 in Ireland, THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY is the story of Damien (Cillain Murphy), a young Irishman about to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. When his friend is... [More]
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Liam Cunningham, William Ruane, Gerard Kearney
Director: Ken Loach
Get This Movie
Reviews for The Wind That Shakes the Barley
The ferocity of [director Ken] Loach's moral wrath carries the movie, makes it ignite on screen -- at least, until he tries to dramatize the fatal split of Ireland through Damien and Teddy, the brothers in arms.
03/14/07
Top Critic...an action-packed, psychologically violent film that captures the little known history of the Irish fight for independence.
03/13/07
As a document of the shape of political thought, the film is successful; but as a living, beating heart about a populace living through a time of upheaval and confusion, it's mediocre.
03/12/07
Refusing the standard flourishes of Irish wildness or lyricism, Loach has made a film for our moment, a time of bewildering internecine warfare.
03/12/07
Top CriticIt's a dissertation, not a story.
03/08/07
Ultimately, Barley is the antithesis of a feel-good entertainment -- but it is to be commended for its unflinching seriousness.
03/07/07
Top CriticA dramatic interpretation of the Irish war of independence that is relevant to today's world. The lesson is that unless you confront the rich at home and abroad, true freedom will not be achieved.
03/05/07
This history lesson about Ireland's struggle for independence diffuses the drama under the weight of detail, length and commitment to a one-sided agenda.
03/03/07
The film is an exceptional work of vigorous cinematic art filled with dynamic performances by its all-Irish cast. At 70, Ken Loach is as steadfast a filmmaker as ever.
02/18/07
The Irish dialogue is sometimes difficult to understand butthis is a good primer on the Irish rebellion of 1920 againstBritish occupation.
12/19/06
It's not a great movie and perhaps not even one of Loach's best, but it is a solidly made, deeply felt drama that delves into the history surrounding this conflict with a relatively clear eye
10/01/06
Loach has made a film of uncompromising, wintry bleakness, haunted by death and ravaged ideals. The days of hope have never been shorter.
09/28/06
An earnest, handsomely shot and often effective, if overly schematic, drama in the service of a political message.
09/23/06
Click to read the article
09/23/06
You'll get a buzz out of the sensitive filmmaking, superb, naturalistic performances with touches of improv, and a sense of outrage that informs the film's mood.
09/15/06
I liked the way Loach let his camera run when his actors flubbed lines, but beyond that, Barley is no Golden Palm winner.
09/09/06
Two or three scenes manage a forceful, punch-in-the-gut quality that wholly crystallizes the clear-minded sense of purpose that Loach strives for throughout.
08/26/06
Director Ken Loach has courageously put death, destruction and discourse all over the screen, succeeding best in the atrocities and coming up short in the scenes of political idealism.
08/23/06
The film increasingly short-changes the personal for the sake of the political, despite powerful scenes and another impressive performance from Cillian Murphy.
07/01/06
Latest News for The Wind That Shakes the Barley
May 26, 2009:
Cannes 2009: RT's 10 Must-See Movies
The 62nd Cannes Film Festival has officially wrapped, with most commentators agreeing that this year's selection was a cut above. There were some disappointments, but plenty of... More...
May 19, 2009:
Cannes 2009: The Tomato Report – Antichrist Shocks, Eric Delights
Say what you like about Lars von Trier, the director never fails to find controversy. To one degree or another, most of his films have provoked comment for their themes and for... More...
May 10, 2009:
Cannes 2009: RT's 10 Most Anticipated Movies
The Cannes Film Festival will screen nearly 100 films as part of its Official Selection and associated sidebars when it kicks off next week in the Southern France town. The... More...
September 05, 2007:
RT on DVD: It's TV Time!
It's definitely a week for TV on DVD. With the exception of a few exceptional dramatic feature films (Stephanie Daley, The Wind That Shakes the Barley), today's releases offer a... More...
RT On Current TV
What’s Hot On RT
Fresh Links
Featured
Best Nude Scenes of the Year 
Moviefone lists their top ten nude scenes from film in 2009.
Hollywood.com's Best of 2009
Thomas Leupp offers us Hollywood.com's take on the best films of the year.
Best Dozen of the Decade
Last week, MSN gave us their top 09 films. Now see what their favorites of the decade are!
Top 10 Movies of 2009
TIME chimes in with their own list of the best films released this year.
Top 20 of the Decade
Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!
Promos
Follow RT on Twitter
Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!
RSS Feeds