Good historical drama spoiled by implausible ending

Rating: 5/10 (16 August 2006)

This movie is half an hour too long. It rattles along as we follow the adventures of the good guys (young idealistic Irish freedom fighters) in their struggle to rid their land of the hated British oppressors. Loach should have ended the film with the peace agreement of 1922 that gave most Irish people what they wanted - independence in all but name - but failed to satisfy a minority of ideological socialists who then continued the struggle but now against their own kith and kin.
The film completely loses its way towards the end with too much political debate and a frankly ludicrous schism between the brothers who are the two central characters leading to one ordering the execution of the other.
The film completely fails to engage on an emotional level with the result that the supposed climax is a total letdown.
Loach does action scenes well and the scenery is beautiful. Unfortunately he can not resist the opportunity to indulge in heavy-handed political lecturing and he really can't do emotion!