MovieChat Forums > The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2007) Discussion > SPOILERS: the eventual end of the Irish ...

SPOILERS: the eventual end of the Irish Free State

posted 13 years ago by wildhorse0412
3 replies | jump to latest

I know this film is Irish, and Irish people know what happened, but I'm surprised that the end of the film was not accompanied with a short 'The Republican Army eventually was defeated by the Free State Forces. Years later, Ireland would gain full sovereignty' type thing.

Perhaps Damian's death was symbolic of the IRA's loss?

But still, the end of this film really left Ireland's future (post 1920) in question.

I am American and am *somewhat* familiar with the Irish War, but I thought this film was going to give more information about how/why Ireland, after the war, was finally granted independence... which happened in the 30's if I am correct?

"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue."
-Airplane!

[–] Sid-Blitzen 13 years ago

As I understand it, the way it went was, the 1921 Treaty gave the 26 counties "dominion" status, like Canada. A Governor-General still sat in Dublin. The British navy still had use of three ports (the "Treaty Ports") but relinquished them before World War Two. Apart from these factors, the 26 counties were free to act independently of Britain, e.g. remain neutral in WW2.

Ireland finally became a republic in 1949, simply by declaring itself to be one. There were, and are still, a few Damians who refuse to accept that the 26 counties can be a republic without the other 6, and they still use the term "Free State" to describe the 26 counties.

[–] mikeyg24 13 years ago

I think the primary purpose of the film was to examine how the war affected the people and the measures they were forced to take and their disillusionment/acceptance when the Treaty was ratified.

Your's sincerely, General Joseph Liebgott

[–] IndyCelt 13 years ago

I agree with Mikey, Loach does social/political commentary, history is mostly a prop for the message. He'll never make a Hollywood style director, ie wrap stuff up neatly and have our guys win.