Film Response

Rating: 8/10 (17 January 2014)

The Wind that Shakes the Barley is an inspirational film of dedication and perseverance. It delves into the world of family division and fighting for a seemingly hopeless cause. Teddy fights for a resolve to the oppression of the English but his younger brother Damien strives for complete emancipation. Through dialogue, camera angles and plot the film gives the impression that the potentially fatal devotion to liberty Damien has is correct and justified. The director positions the viewer to agree with and accept Damien's idealistic pursuit.
The film seems to follow Damien as the main character; the director focuses on him. Out of all the pertinent characters, Damien has the most development. He has story lines aside from the battle for freedom. We relate to Damien and therefore believe his stand points are just and reasonable. Damien has a girl in his life. He has someone to worry about beside himself. He is fighting for her safety as well as his own. The director intentionally expanded on Damien's character more than his opposite Teddy. Damien had close friendships with other characters. Damien and Dan's relationship grew as the plot carried on. Through the conversations he had with Dan parts of his personality and opinions were displayed. The writer did not give any of the other men a more dimensional character, beside a soldier. Due to the humanization of Damien's character we are naturally drawn to view his goal as honourable and dignified.