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The Wind That Shakes the Barley

Play trailer Poster for The Wind That Shakes the Barley 2006 2h 6m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 116 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 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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The Wind That Shakes the Barley

The Wind That Shakes the Barley

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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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Critics Reviews

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Steven Rea Philadelphia Inquirer Gripping, powerful, heart-breaking. Rated: 3.5/4 Aug 4, 2007 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review David Lamble Bay Area Reporter Murphy's agonized body language conveys the horrible, irreparable damage of war. May 26, 2020 Full Review Alberto Abuín Espinof The director has an excellent cast, having Cillian Murphy shining with his own light. [Full Review in Spanish] Feb 15, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Claudio C The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) The Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War (11,906 – 09 Sep 2025 – by Claudio Carvalho) During my recent visit to the Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, the guide suggested the visitors to watch “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” (2006). This movie is about The Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) and The Irish Civil War (1922-1923), following two fictional brothers throughout this period. Like others Ken Loach’s films, the plot is engaging and shows a troubled period in Ireland, when Irish people achieved their independence from the British Empire. Then it shows the subsequent period of The Irish Civil War, when each brother takes a side, ending in their showdown. Unfortunately, I do not know the history of Ireland, but the movie seems to be neutral in the positions without judgements. The acting is top-notch, with a fantastic cast with Cillian Murphy in the lead role. My vote is eight. Title (Brazil): “Ventos da Liberdade” (“Winds of Freedom”) My Blog: https://maniacosporfilme.wordpress.com/ Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/10/25 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 09/05/25 Full Review Freedom L Brilliant movie a must see Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/31/24 Full Review 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 Full Review Ruth H Hauntingly heartbreaking. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/10/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Wind That Shakes the Barley

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Cast & Crew

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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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The Wind That Shakes the Barley

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Movie Info

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