ViewGuide

Created Mar 14, 2011 11:08AM PST • Edited Mar 14, 2011 11:10AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   A powerful, yet heavy-handed telling of the Irish Republican uprising in the 1920. Two brothers join a rebellion against the "Black and Tans,” uniformed British soldiers occupying Ireland. Working with other resistance fighters, they strive to create freedom from what they perceive to be an oppressive Monarchy. After reaching a political settlement, their loyalties are split between sides, pitting brother against brother.

   The film is unflinching in it’s portrayal of brutality, with a sharper eye focused on indiscriminate barbarianism in the name of control by the British army. Given that the protagonists of this film represent the Irish Republican Army, it’s somewhat understandable that the “enemy” would be viewed in such an ugly light. Yet the Republicans show a string of nastiness themselves, and although it’s directed primarily at the British, it is nonetheless coldly brutal. Ultimately, the film presents a struggle between brothers and people fighting back against an outside army.

   But, in spite of this violence, the film also captures the beautiful countryside and colorful people of Ireland (part of my ancestry). Spectacular cinematography captures the beauty of this lush island.

   The only drawback to the film would be the occasional difficulty in understanding what the characters are saying. At various points, the accents are so thick that it becomes problematic to hear every word, although it’s not hard to surmise the intent in most of those cases. The fact that the characters are mumbling in many cases doesn’t help. Never-the less, I know that is a point of contention for many prospective viewers.

   Overall, I felt the film was entertaining and offered some intriguing storylines.

   Watched on Netflix streaming.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

   Cillian Murphy and Padraic Delaney are wonderful in their portrayal of the two brothers struggling for normalacy and against each other.

6. Female Stars OK 2.5

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

    Director Ken Loach captures the beauty of Ireland, while telling an important story in its history.

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.5

17. Sex Innocent 1.0

    Nothing to note.

18. Violence Savage 3.7

    Extended torture scene, plenty of violence.

19. Rudeness Profane 2.9

    Swearing and insults throughout.

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0