The Wind That Shakes the Barley

Name: The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Director: Ken Loach
Genre: Drama, War
Released: 2006-01-01
Duration: 127 min
Rating: 7.3
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Pádraic Delaney, Liam Cunningham, Orla Fitzgerald, Damien Kearney

2006Dir. Ken Loach2h 7m

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Runtime2h 7m

Released2006

Budget$6.5M

Box office$22.9M

DirectorKen Loach

About This Movie

The Wind That Shakes the Barley really immerses you in the raw intensity of the Irish struggle during the war for independence. Ken Loach captures the atmosphere of 1920s Ireland beautifully, with a gritty realism that feels almost documentary-like. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the weight of each moment to sink in, especially as Damien's journey unfolds. The performances, particularly from Cillian Murphy and Pádraic Delaney, are powerful, conveying deep emotional conflicts without the need for melodrama. The themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war resonate throughout. And those practical effects? They add a layer of authenticity that enhances the overall experience without overshadowing the human story at its core.

Gritty realism reflects the harshness of war.Deliberate pacing allows emotional weight to resonate.Practical effects enhance authenticity.