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This is another retelling of the story of the Anglo-Irish War and the Civil War in Ireland which followed. Just like MICHAEL COLLINS and SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL. This time the story is told from the point of view of some Cork men and women. The original source material is said to be the memoirs of Ernie O'Mally. He was both a physician and a revolutionary, so the dramatic tension between healing and killing is obvious. Just like SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL, though SHAKE HANDS takes place in the Dublin area. And in SHAKE HANDS the (American) medical student ultimately rejects the unreconcilables of the IRA as kill-crazy, while O'Malley went with the Irish rebels against their own Irish Free State. So do our protagonists in THE WIND. All of these Irish films, including THE INFORMER and ODD MAN OUT, are reexaminations of the tragedy of the Irish Civil War and which side was right and the reasons brothers fought and killed brothers and whether it was worth it over the deep perspective of history. Even at this late day it is impossible to say with any confidence. But all Irish agree the the Brits had to go and that the Irish were divinely inspired heroes of Valhalic stature to be able to make them go. Be prepared to activate the caption feature while viewing this film as the Cork accents are not always easily decypherable by the non-Cork man.Read full review
My father was active in the IRA just before "The Troubles." This is the most honest and sensitive portrayal of that sad period in Irish history I've ever encountered. Ironic that an Englishman like Ken Loach could get it so right. Then again, there's probably no director alive who so trusts his actors to do the right thing and whose actors respond accordingly. If you want to understand Irish animosity to the English or why people will die for freedom or if you just love good cinematography, great direction, wonderful acting, and a great story, buy this DVD.
I love Irish movies as well as most that are not US made.They are not pretty and painted with plastic characters that have had Botox and facelifts. This movie gives one a feel of what the struggles were like, though I am sure they were more horrible than portrayed. The scenery and sets seem so authentic compared to many pictures. One has to have a good ear to pick up conversation in this film as it is definately Gaelic brogue, and often fast. That part could be frustrating to a person that isnt familiar with the speech. The story holds water, and is compelling. I have already passed this movie on to family and friends and all are praising the movie.
A unique film about Irelands struggle for independance. Beautifully photographed and well acted.It follows two brothers and the way in which their lives are changed in the struggle for Irish Freedom.One becomes aware of how difficult the road towards freedom from Empire has been for the sons and daughters of the Gaels. The Celts of the Western Isles.{The Irish,The Scottish and The Welsh}. An eye opening look at a little know aspect of Western history.A small film,yet a gem. Worth a look.....tm
This is a very realistic and historically accurate portrayal of the time in Irish history when the Black and Tans plagued Ireland - my own family lost two young men - in their twenties during this time period, while out in a field tending sheep. They were questioned and killed right there. Later the family home was burned for their suspected involvement with the Republicans. The Irish Republican Army had its beginnings then, and there are many who argue to this day that Michael Collins ahould never have signed the treaty - for it should have been all or nothing. Isn't that, after all, what they fought for? But whatever your opinion on this subject, you must watch this film to get a perspective of how things were.
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