The Wind that Shakes the Barley

"The Wind that Shakes the Barley" was a gripping tale of how violence can create even more violence. It reminded me much of what the American revolution underwent, also against British rule. The struggles of the revolutionaries are vast, and in most cases, the revolutionaries seem not to have a choice in the matter. Damien even says that he wished to stay out of the war, and couldn't, and now he wishes to get out of the war, and can't. This is a great summation of what happens to people within a country that is undergoing a revolution. The British are horrid in their acts towards the Irish, and I believe that it is justified that the Irish revolutionaries be horrid back in their actions towards the British. One act causes another act of equal, or more, intensity. I think it is interesting the way in which the movie portrays some of the psychological effects of revolutions, especially at an individual level, as seen in Damien's monologues. The revolution seems to almost be a "trap" that the people of Ireland cannot escape, especially because the fighting is occurring within their own back yards. War seems to suck people in and creating a violent people. All in all, an absolute great film!