I watched this movie with my husband and son - 12. We were all deeply moved and a year later my son is still talking about it. He loves history and because our family comes from Ireland he was very interested. This movie is graphic and intense, but it isn't violence for entertainment, it is part of the story and necessary - that makes all the difference in my opinion.
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The Wind That Shakes the Barley
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
IRA drama is thoughtful, smart -- and bloody.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–16
What to watch out for
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What Parents Need to Know
About The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Parents need to know that this 1920s-set drama about the IRA will probably only interest older teens with an interest in history, since its mature subject matter includes dire violence and political discussion. The battle scenes include shootings and grenade explosions; bodies are explicitly injured, broken, and bloodied. Characters are tortured (screaming and beating sounds come from off screen, and fingernails are pulled out on screen) and executed via gunshots to the head and firing squad. A brief, tender, non-explicit love scene is mostly filmed in the shadows. British soldiers burn a house and beat up a young woman and cut off her hair. Brothers and friends have increasingly tense, loud arguments. Lots of cigarette smoking and plenty of swearing ("f--k," "s--te," "arse," etc.).
Read our full review by Cynthia Fuchs
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the IRA conflict. How does the film portray its beginnings? Does it provide a different perspective on it? Another good discussion would be to explore the conflict that develops between the O'Donovan brothers. How do their different loyalties take them in different directions? How do their experiences affect their political ideals?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
Gutwrenching story
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