The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)
The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) is a historical drama directed by Ken Loach. The film is set during the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) and the subsequent Irish Civil War (1922-1923).
It stars Cillian Murphy and Pádraic Delaney as two brothers, Damien and Teddy O’Donovan, who become involved in the Irish Republican movement against British rule.
The movie portrays the brutal realities of guerrilla warfare and the deep political divisions that arise within Ireland, culminating in the civil war. The title is taken from a 19th-century Irish ballad that evokes themes of loss and rebellion.
The film won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival and was praised for its gritty, humanizing portrayal of historical events, though it also stirred political controversy due to its anti-imperialist themes. 
Loach’s direction, along with the powerful performances by the cast, makes it a striking examination of loyalty, identity, and the cost of war. 
