Poignant beyond words

Rating: 10/10 (25 June 2006)

The most moving film I've ever seen. When Teddy stood in the courtyard and gave the order for the firing squad to execute his brother, tied to the post, it was astounding film. When the dead Damien lay slumped against the post after his execution you could see why the film deserved the Palme D'or in every respect. You lose something by not seeing this.
Loach's treatment of the left-right divide within the republican camp was very similar to his treatment of the socialist-communist divide in his Land and Freedom (1996). The soundtrack, too, was very apt with Mac Piarais's Óró, Sé Do Bheatha Abhaile being wonderfully utilised throughout.