Acting is uneven in The Wind That Shakes The Barley

Ken Loach turns his directorial eye on revolutionary Ireland in The Wind That Shakes the Barley (Pathé, €24.99), a tale of two brothers: Damian (Cillian Murphy), a medical student caught up in the War of Independence and Teddy (Padraic Delaney), his Republican brother.

Loach’s approach produces some overly romantic clichés of Republicanism, but also deals fairly with the brutality on both sides, such as Black and Tan murders, IRA reprisals, and Damian’s shooting of an informer.

As expected Loach is at his best dealing with the political ramifications as the main themes.

He teases out where the character’s loyalties lie, climaxing in the Treaty debate scene. However, some of the acting is uneven.

There’s a fine audio commentary by Loach and Dr Donal O’Driscoll, plus a 45 minute profile of Loach in the special two-disc edition.

Drama

Star rating: 3/5.