We went to see The Wind That Shakes the Barley last night. I went along expecting some Michael Collins or Braveheart romanticised brit-bashing light entertainment, but no.
This one wasn't easy to watch. It's set during the Irish War of Independence and Irish Civil War which is only now about to drop out of living memory in Ireland. The emphasis isn't so much on the fighting, but on the heartbreaking impact it had on families.
I like this comment on the IMDb page:
I saw this film at a private screening and found it difficult yet beautiful to watch.
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This film is a template for what film makers can achieve with a small budget, dedicated performers and a timeless topic.
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The sacrifices made 80 years ago still resonate today but the Republic of Ireland is now the third richest country in Europe. The question still debated is Was it Worth it? The question we ask is how's Scotland and Wales doing?