Directed by Ken Loach
129 minutes
In English with English subtitles

Set in 1920, Ken Loach's gripping historical piece emotionally documents the British occupation of Ireland, and the bloodshed that ensued. Our main character Damien is about to set off to London to train as a doctor, but when a young boy in his village is brutally killed by British soldiers, he finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of events that he can't turn his back on. It's generally considered to be one of director Ken Loach's finest films.

What started off as a war for independence, would soon explode into a Civil War dividing the country. A massive amount of bloodshed, and a lot of confusion set the society on fire... it was an issue that smashed friendships and created divisions within families. Director Ken Loach doesn't simplify the situation for us, he throws us right into the thick of it, into the complexity, forcing us to make ethical decisions about what is right or wrong. The whole idea of violence in the first place becomes a crucial issue, and this movie could easily be seen as an anti-war film in that light. But it's also true that for some viewers it may be a call to arms. 

If you understand the themes explored in a movie like this, then you know this film is not just about the past but is totally relevant to current issues—especially about autonomy, social change, and fighting for something you believe in.

This is a movie about ideas and emotions, and is meant to engage you with its fiery cinematic thrust. It's an experience you can't shake off easily after you've seen it. It picked up the Palme d'Or at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.