Cillian Murphy plays "Damien" a pacifist doctor whose leaves his small town to study in London. After witnessing a series of sadistic acts by the British, Damien abandons his plans to defend his country. He joins his brother Teddy (Padraic Delaney) in a guerrilla campaign with the newly formed Irish Republican Army. The brothers take arms and find themselves in world of escalating violence against the Black and Tans. When the Treaty of 1921 is implemented, the two brothers find themselves on opposite ends of a Civil War that hinges on the definition of "Freedom."
The most powerful aspect in this film is its authenticity. It is shot beautifully, mostly in natural light, on location in County Cork, Ireland. By limiting his area to a small town, it allows us to accessibility into each of the characters lives. There are no faceless soldiers; each one has an inferred history by merely living in this town. The audience feels as if they are citizens and simply watching the events unfold.
By choosing fictional over historical figures, it gives a compelling look at how the decisions of the politicians change the lives of the average Mick on the street. County Cork and its people are a long way from Dublin and Michael Collin's negotiating table.
Often glossed over in films about war are the various viewpoints. Unlike any of the World Wars, this is a fight that has evolved over hundreds of years with only the occasional victory. Yet every victory opens a new multi layered conflict. There is never an easy answer. Every single character in this movie is faced with a crossroads.
Even in Blockbusters as BATMAN BEYOND and RED EYE, no one can argue Cillian Murphy's commitment to his characters. He brings that same commitment to the conflicted Doctor who must kill and heal. Murphy gives a performance that is honest, vulnerable and understated. Without a doubt, this film establishes him as one of the finest actors out there.
Commitment from Murphy is not a surprise. However, the performances of the non-actors are equally impressive. An older woman, in her only scene, speaks to a victim tortured by the British. She repeatedly states "I need to clean the chicken coop." It's devastating and you feel as if you have known this woman since you were a kid. This scene stuck to me for days.
There was one problem I had. I thought the British atrocities were a bit over dramatic.
Recently, I was talking with this middle aged Brit I just met. I told him I had just seen this new film. I explained it was a work of fiction, but I wasn't sure how much of the brutality of the British Empire was true.
He said "I haven't seen the movie, but it's true."
With St. Patty's day this weekend, take a break from the green beers and catch THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY.