Hard-hitting and honest portrayal of the troubles

Rating: 10/10 (1 July 2006)

It's always interesting and intriguing to be presented with Ken Loach's version of events, particularly considering the amount of research he and Paul Laverty (his scriptwriter) put into the project, in order to realise Loach's socialist agenda of portraying the Irish in the way which they themselves believed to be treated, without reverting to prejudice. Indeed, if there is a message, it is certainly that of prejudice and how the British Army 'invaded' without any morals or humane strategy (parallels which of course can be drawn with the on-going Iraq war). However, the key aspect which continues to win me over with Loach is his attention to detail, particularly mise-en-scene, which provides him with a more prominent backdrop to provoke emotion within the audience. Quite simply, the cinematography is stunning, with wonderful long shots of the beautiful Irish countryside. There is always the argument within the right that Loach attempts to capitalise on every opportunity to criticise the Government, but this simply doesn't wash. Instead, he simply presents how Government policy affects the sections of society which those policies are not designed for. If anything, it is up to the audience themselves as to how sympathetic they are to the plight of Loach's characters, as Loach himself does not attempt to force the audience to believe in the way he does (which I don't); however, if other aspects of his personality are taken into account (through interviews etc.), only then do the audience become aware of his political persuasion, and can therefore apply it to the narrative more efficiently. The Wind that Shakes the Barley is a beautiful film, with wonderful acting by Cillian Murphy and Orla Fitzgerald in particular, and thoroughly deserved the Palme D'or at Cannes this year (although Volver is also very good). I sincerely hope that Ken continues his strive for social justice and maintains the style apparent in TWTSTB and his previous bodies of work.