The Wind That Shakes the Barley

Me and some of my coursemates went to The Cathay to watch The Wind That Shakes the Barley after school today. The movie is the grand prize winner at Cannes Film Festival last year and the story is about a group of Irish young men who wanted to break free from the control of the British back in the year 1916. The group had suffered the loss of a close friend who had been killed after defying the instructions of a British military commander. They formed the IRA or the Irish Republican Army and trained themselves to protect against British forces as well as killing some of the soldiers.

Violence begets more violence and vengeance is the catalyst. The story focuses more on the political aspect of the 2 countries than the actual war between the IRA and the British forces. It also serves as a reminder of the injustice that Ireland had endured in the past. However, this film is incredibly slow-moving and i dozed off several times throughout the movie. Luckily, i only fell asleep for a few seconds and did not miss any important portions of the movie. The thick British and Irish accent didn't help much either, especially hard to decipher when the dialogue is softer. What this film does exactly opposite from mainstream cinema is that it does not compromise to the expectations of the audience and succumb to over-dramatization. I admire the director Ken Loach's well intentions for making this movie but i was wishing that the movie would end faster so that i don't have to try so hard by stretching my neck, drinking my water, shifting my rest position, etc, to stay awake.

**1/2