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Poster for The Wind That Shakes the Barley

The Wind That Shakes the Barley

Seen it?

2006 | 127 min | Drama, War

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved The Guns of Navarone or The Longest Day, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 7 min.
What might put you off
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In 1920s Ireland young doctor Damien O'Donovan prepares to depart for a new job in a London hospital. As he says his goodbyes at a friend's farm, British Black and Tans arrive, and a young man is killed. Damien joins his brother Teddy in the Irish Republican Army, but political events are soon set in motion that tear the brothers apart.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Cannes award: Palme d'Or. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $23 million worldwide on a $7 million budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    Not enough engagement data yet

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ken Loach

  • Cillian MurphyDamien
  • Pádraic DelaneyTeddy
  • Liam CunninghamDan
  • Orla FitzgeraldSinead
  • Mary O'RiordanPeggy
  • Mary MurphyBernadette
  • Laurence BarryMicheail
  • Damien KearneyFinbar
  • Frank BourkeLeo
  • Myles HorganRory