The Wind that Shakes the Barley is the tale of one man and his love for his family and his nation -- and what happens when both are tested.

Damien Delaney (Cillian Murphy) is headed for London to go to medical school when he witnesses the first atrocities by the British Black and Tans. Damien forsakes his future for that of his country and chooses to fight alongside his brother, Teddy (Padriac Delaney) to gain Irish independence. He's so dedicated he even claims to be his brother when the British come to extract information via torture. This unselfish act ruins Damien's chances at the career he's dreamed of.

The story continues on with the peace treaty and the following Irish Civil War.

War films are generally not my interest, but this is an exceptional movie and I would sincerely recommend it to students of English-Irish History. The research behind the film is extensive and the film attempted to create as realistic historical tale as possible.

All in all, The Wind that Shakes the Barley is an excellent effort and well worth the time and cost.