Most of the reviews are stating that this film is one sided and highlights the injustice potrayed by the British Goverment.

While the film does tackle such issues and Britains obvious brutal approach it also brings to light the internal conflict of intrests within the IRB. One brother is willing to find a compromise to end civil war while the other is more die-hard and unforgiving, bitter and twisted to the point of unreason.

Please dont watch this film trying to get justification for the thousands of lives lost since the recent conflict in Northern Ireland because that is a crime against such a sensitive film.

Too often has Britain hidden the shame that tore a nation apart, yet we're quick to step int conflict where we simply do not belong. This film tells the storey of a family split between standing for your own and simply giving into oppression. Imagine a force of oppressors forcefully taking over England, would you stand for your own or simply give into oppression? When watching this movie, think of it as if you were in their shoes and you may take a different viewpoint. Remeber though that it is a film.

.. and about time that this work was finalised,
it's a true telling of the bigotry and injustice brought to an innocent people . the british were responsible for so many attrocieties in many different countries, under the banner of the crown , well the crown has finally slipped.
good work mr. loach, well done.