The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006) -- K. Loach

Count on Ken Loach to speak truth to power -- this is his major theme over the years, whether he is depicting working class life in Britain more authentically or documenting the legacy of colonialism for marginalized people around the world.  Here, he focuses on the Irish fight for independence from the UK (circa 1920-22) using it as an example of how a unified front can be so difficult to maintain and how every action you take in the fight may compromise either the self, the cause, one's kin or humanity.  Characters do get into some political talk, which is exhilerating in contrast to so many empty Hollywood movies. Of course, nothing is simple and in effect this is really a two-hour trauma -- a full fledged war film.  Cillian Murphy is great, the film won the Palme D'Or, but I wouldn't want to put myself through it again.  However, Loach wants us to know that people are still struggling, despite our complacency.