The Wind That Shakes the Barley

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The Wind That Shakes the Barley

2006

2h 6m

History

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

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116 Reviews

87%

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25,000+ Ratings

In 1920s Ireland young doctor Damien O'Donovan (Cillian Murphy) prepares to depart for a new job in a London hospital. As he says his goodbyes at a friend's farm, British Black and Tans arrive, and a young man is killed. Damien joins his brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney) in the Irish Republican Army, but political events are soon set in motion that tear the brothers apart.

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Critics 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.

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Steven Rea

Philadelphia Inquirer

Gripping, powerful, heart-breaking.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 4, 2007

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Jim Emerson

RogerEbert.com

While this may be a historical piece, it's history told in the vivid present tense.

Rated: 4/4

May 11, 2007

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Josh Rosenblatt

Austin Chronicle

Loach and his cinematographer, Barry Ackroyd, paint a grim realist portrait in muted tones that captures the solemnity of an Ireland turning on itself and the tragedy of two brothers spiraling away from each other.

Rated: 3.5/5

Apr 27, 2007

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Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

In its willingness to grapple with the ugly nuances of revolution, The Wind That Shakes The Barley proves itself an intelligent and undeniably powerful film.

Aug 18, 2023

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David Lamble

Bay Area Reporter

Murphy's agonized body language conveys the horrible, irreparable damage of war.

May 26, 2020

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Alberto Abuín

Espinof

The director has an excellent cast, having Cillian Murphy shining with his own light. [Full Review in Spanish]

Feb 15, 2020

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Ben M

Amazing film that perfectly encapsulates the struggle of the average Irishman during the British oppression

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/23/25

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Paul S

When you're an Irishman watching a movie in 2024 about the British rule in Ireland pre-independence, and you find your blood boiling and your heart rate racing; you know that the makers and director have created something important.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/24

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Freedom L

Brilliant movie a must see

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/31/24

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Ali W

I love this movie. I’ve watched four times and keep returning to it over the years. Masterclass in filmmaking with powerful story and great performances

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/20/24

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Ruth H

Hauntingly heartbreaking.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/10/24

Full Review

Emma W

Very good movie, a bit much at points.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/21/24

Full Review

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Ken Loach

Director

Cillian Murphy

Damien O'Donovan

Padraic Delaney

Teddy O'Donovan

Liam Cunningham

Dan

Orla Fitzgerald

Sinead

Mary Riordan

Peggy

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Synopsis

In 1920s Ireland young doctor Damien O'Donovan (Cillian Murphy) prepares to depart for a new job in a London hospital. As he says his goodbyes at a friend's farm, British Black and Tans arrive, and a young man is killed. Damien joins his brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney) in the Irish Republican Army, but political events are soon set in motion that tear the brothers apart.

Director: Ken Loach
Producer: Rebecca O'Brien
Screenwriter: Paul Laverty
Production Co: UK Film Council, Irish Film Board, TV3 Ireland, Tornasol Films S.A., Cineart
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Mar 16, 2007
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 10, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.8M
Runtime: 2h 6m