"The wind that shakes the Barley"....

Having recorded "The wind that shakes the Barley" during the week (thank you Film4, a few more evening premiers would be lovely) we've just plucked up the courage to watch it all the way through. Thankfully apart from one scene close to the start that would not turn the stomach of horror movie fans but if you are like me look away. Now I have seen it I'm glad I did. Its a very good film and fully deserved its "Palme d'or " not only because with its acting, direction and the power of the script it conveys up a captivating sense of time and place. But also because this is a film that is long overdue. Many films have been made that offer insight into the troubles in Northern Ireland but few have been made that try to capture the situation before, the events that spilt over into the sectarian violence and terrorist actions that we associate with the 1970's and 1980's. I've only ever seen one film set in Ireland at this time which even touches upon these themes "The Last September" Its worth seeing in its own right and encapsulates much of the contrast between the anglo-Irish and the native Irish. This is something quite different and possibly one of Ken Loach's best.
In light of the subject matter I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised at the reception that this film received but have to confess I am, The Telegraph went so far as to accuse Ken Loach of hating his country whilst sponging of it before admitting they hadn't seen the film with the limp excuse that you don't have to read Mein Kampf to know that Hitler was a louse.... Excuse me...? I think there were rather a lot of clues as to Hitler's character and one does not have to be a genius to know that he had some unpleasant and clearly dangerous views. Why admitting that there was such a thing as the IRA and possibly suggesting that even if their methods were brutal so were ours is on a Parr with Mein Kampf I don't know. You could say that the film wasn't completely impartial but what a dull film that would be. Anyway how many films are just as impartial but because they aren't events so close to home never get a mention. Is "Waterloo" impartial ? You could say that a British director should not be making this film but you would have to be pretty closed to ideas other than blind patriotism to think that. Both sides were human, both were equally three dimensional and if you can't see those truths expressed in the film then look harder.
Everyone has to make their own decisions as regards "controversial" films, if you don't want to watch it then that's your choice asI said earlier I don't watch Horror films. I don't mind if you don't want to see this but then again you can't possibly make judgements about what a film is trying to say if you don't watch it.
Maybe one day the events of the last century won't be so fresh in our minds and this film will be more widely appreciated. For now I can speak only for myself ... Its a very good film and it needs a wider audience. If you want to know more try the IMDB reviews.