The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2006)

This was a really good Irish movie about two brothers fighting the British during the Irish War for Independence (1919-1921)and then fighting each other during the Irish Civil War (1922-1923.) It showed the brutality the British used against innocent Irish civilians (including the use of the Black and Tans) and how the Irish stood up for themselves. It also showed how the Anglo-Irish Treaty that ended the War for Independence both divided the island (creating Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom) and its people.

I personally think that I would have sided with the brother, Damien. The Irish fought to end British rule over Ireland and instead the majority of Irish accepted giving the northern part of their island to the British. It would be as though we (Americans) fought the American Revolution against the British and then let them keep New England - unthinkable to many, but that is what happened in Ireland. Had the British left the whole island back in the 1920s then I don't think the "Troubles" of the 1960s-1990s would have been as deadly or violent as they were.

This movie comes a few weeks before I go to London, Ireland and Northern Ireland on vacation. I have a basic understanding of Anglo-Irish and Anglo-Northern Irish history, but hope to learn even more during my trip.

This is a movie that everyone should see.