For many, St. Patrick’s Day is an excuse to put on every green item in your wardrobe and sink as many pints of Guinness as you possibly can. But for Irish people, or those with Irish parentage (like myself), it’s also an opportunity to celebrate a unique and extremely special country. Ireland is one of my favorite places on Earth, and I’m lucky enough to be a citizen of “The Emerald Isle.”
As part of honoring my heritage, understanding Ireland’s difficult history is important. One movie that chronicles a particularly dark chapter in the country’s past is “The Wind That Shakes the Barley,” directed by Ken Loach and starring Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy. Released in 2006, it’ll celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year, and upon release, it became the highest-grossing Irish-made independent film at the time. Set during the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Irish Civil War, it’s a war drama centered on two brothers who initially fight together, but are then torn apart as they end up on opposing sides.
Winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, it’s not a cheery watch, so if you’re looking for a film stuffed with humorous Irish craic, you might want to consider your options. But this is definitely the one Irish movie I’ll be rewatching this St Patrick’s Day (Tuesday, March 17).
What is ‘The Wind That Shakes the Barley’ about?
Opening in County Cork in 1920, Damien O'Donovan (Murphy) is preparing to leave his native Ireland to finish his medical training in London. But just after saying his goodbyes, he witnesses the brutality of the British Army, and decides he cannot leave his countrymen behind to fight for freedom.
Linking up with his brother, Teddy (Pádraic Delaney), a leader in the Irish Republican Army, he opts to stay and fight for his homeland as Ireland battles for its independence. However, when a contentious peace settlement is reached, Damien and Teddy find themselves opposed, as the two tight-knit brothers are pitted against each other in the subsequent Irish Civil War.
‘The Wind That Shakes the Barley’ is a must-watch for St. Patrick’s Day
Ken Loach has described “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” as an exploration of the divide between nationalists and revolutionaries, and centering the film on two brothers is a very apt way of showcasing this conflict. The Irish Civil War turned brother against brother, and through Damien and Teddy, this impactful family split is shown to great emotional effect.
As noted, this is a particularly bleak watch at several points. There are scenes of torture and senseless execution, and there are no easy answers provided. It also challenges viewers to consider both sides of the conflict. But for viewers just looking for excellent filmmaking, an engaging plot, and some truly fantastic performances, you’ll find these elements in great quantities.
Cillian Murphy, a son of Cork himself, was reportedly extremely eager to be involved in the project due to his strong connection to the material, and that certainly shows on screen. While I won't go as far as to declare it his best role (which speaks to the quality of his body of work), it’s in the conversation. In the final third, Murphy delivers a true knockout punch. Pádraic Delaney is no less excellent, as a brother desperate to bring his beloved sibling to his side.
“The Wind That Shakes the Barley” is a powerful, bold, and thought-provoking war drama. It leaves you reeling by the end, and isn’t afraid to confront hard questions about not just the Irish Civil War, but bloody conflict in general. It’s a movie that has earned its lofty position in Irish cinema history, and I strongly recommend it, whether or not you have a connection to Ireland.
Don’t believe me? I’m not alone in championing this war drama. On review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” holds an impressive 90% score, with the site’s ‘Critics Consensus’ labeling it “Bleak and uncompromising, but director Ken Loach brightens his film with gorgeous cinematography and tight pacing, and features a fine performance from Cillian Murphy.” Viewers appear to agree, also scoring it highly at 87%.
So, if you’re looking for an Irish movie to watch on St. Patrick’s Day, I urge you to consider “The Wind That Shakes the Barley.” It might not be a feel-good comedy, but it’s a movie that will stay with you long after all the Guinness has been drunk, the Irish tricolour flags have come down, and your best green outfit goes back into your wardrobe for another year.
Watch "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" on AMC+, or on Prime Video (w/ AMC+ add-on) now
