This film evokes the savagery of both the brutal British occupation of Ireland and the internecine violence and treachery of the civil war that followed independence. While it is not a nuanced portrayal of Irish life at the time, it clearly conveys the dehumanizing affects of violence and how in any conflict it is always the innocent who suffer most. The early decades of the twentieth century were a turbulent and violent time for Ireland. Nationalists were forcibly repressed by British soldiers who carried out many atrocities. These actions eventually sparked the War of Independence, which culminated in the controversial treaty of 1922. The film focuses on the lives of a group of rebels from the beginning of the War of Independence to the bloody events of the Civil War. Beautifully shot in rural Ireland, The Wind that Shakes the Barley features some fine performances. A must see!
Reviews
3 Reviews
Seven Times Lucky
(2004)
A modern darkly comic film noir
16 February 2005
This is the story of Harlan, an aging small-time grifter, a relic of a bygone age who dreams of making it big. He is encouraged by his partner Fiona, who is young beautiful and treacherous, a classic femme fatale.
The story could be taking place anywhere or at anytime, there are no geographical or temporal references. It's as if these cheap crooks exist in their own decrepit universe.
The tale has more double-crosses and twists than I could keep track of. However it never looses you and keeps you engrossed until the end. What's best about this film is the acting from a fine ensemble cast and the wonderful black comedy that lies behind the story.
Go see it - you won't be disappointed.
The story could be taking place anywhere or at anytime, there are no geographical or temporal references. It's as if these cheap crooks exist in their own decrepit universe.
The tale has more double-crosses and twists than I could keep track of. However it never looses you and keeps you engrossed until the end. What's best about this film is the acting from a fine ensemble cast and the wonderful black comedy that lies behind the story.
Go see it - you won't be disappointed.
2046
(2004)
Promises more than it delivers - a meandering overly long film
28 January 2005
Please note that this film is almost universally acclaimed so feel free to disregard my comments:
2046 is the story of a man who is haunted by a great unconsummated love in his past. It has eaten away at him and he is left unhappy and soulless. He engages in a series of meaningless sexual affairs to try to free himself from his memories or perhaps to find a similar love.
The film took 5 years and many revisions to make and this shows. The circular meandering plot is frustrating. The action moves back and forward in time and one place is as empty and soulless as the other. Nothing seems to happen in this overly long film, which ultimately disappoints.
Dáithí
2046 is the story of a man who is haunted by a great unconsummated love in his past. It has eaten away at him and he is left unhappy and soulless. He engages in a series of meaningless sexual affairs to try to free himself from his memories or perhaps to find a similar love.
The film took 5 years and many revisions to make and this shows. The circular meandering plot is frustrating. The action moves back and forward in time and one place is as empty and soulless as the other. Nothing seems to happen in this overly long film, which ultimately disappoints.
Dáithí
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