This is what film should look like.

Rating: 10/10 (20 August 2011)

Alright, I'll start off by complaining about the rating. 7.6? Are you kidding me?! This movie is the product of what happens when you stop caring about how to please the audience or how to make the most money and actually film a beautiful movie for the sake of telling a story.
The cynic in me wants to comment on how the "Black and Tans" look like Hitler's personal army, but that thought is quickly hushed because this movie presents itself so well. No fancy over the top special effects are necessary to re-create a time that literally split a country in two. It's a story that'll make you feel for all the characters, and the message of this story is timeless: "No one wins when in war"
So the plot? The plot is about two brothers: Damien (Cillian Murphy) and Teddy (Padraic Delaney) who join the IRA to help fend off and rebel against the English forces that govern Ireland. But when the English give their own proposition: it seems like the entire country is divided between whether to quiet down and accept it or to continue fighting until the end.
What a marvelous example of a beautiful film. I'll start with the acting. As usual, Cillian Murphy is amazing and completely draws you into the character. Padraic Delaney was also very well acted, and you could honestly believe that they were two brothers, torn between what they think is best for their country and people. The other characters, even those who have a minor role make you feel as if you are a part of this war. You will cry and cheer for the characters as they fight for freedom.
Ken Loach deserves special recognition for how he wanted this movie to be portrayed. It's not a war movie where over-macho, testosterone-filled jug heads like to blow up anything that's wearing a different colored T- shirt then them. Instead this movie focuses on the emotions and feelings that the people are experiencing. It's about the voice of the people at a desperate time. It's about the courage to stand up for what you believe and to come together as one to unite and defend your country. And Ken Loach does such an amazing job at showing us exactly what happens when you are faced with decisions regarding your personal interest, and the interest of the people as a whole. There is one scene in particular where the town is at church that I replayed over and over again, just for the sheer tension, emotion, and opinions that are shown of the townsfolk.
As for the "controversial views" that many critics seem to latch onto? As far as I'm concerned, it's a very well acted, presented and shot movie that draws you in. That's it: that's what a movie is. It's ridiculous to assume that "everyone is good and lives happily ever after": it's the story of a country's fight for independence.
I could keep on rambling about how amazing and spectacular this movie is: but if you really want to experience it: watch it! There's just too much to talk about. It's refreshing to see a movie step away from the "safe" views of Hollywood and go back to the roots of what movies are really about.
So in a nutshell? Amazing movie, I recommend it to anyone who knows how to appreciate a fantastic film. I loved it and have watched it many times since. It made me smile but most of all made me bawl like a little girl. Watch it and you won't regret it.