Please view this film with an open mind and see it for what it is. A very real, brutal portrayal of the civil war that ripped ireland apart. This is more real than the movie "Michael Collins", it is wonderfully shot and acted movie with real passion. Some of these scenes will haunt your memory for a long time. A must see from Loach.

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.

I bought this movie to get a glimpse of how life must have been for my ancestors. It was nothing but a movie that was trying to justify terrorism and wrong doings of people with a particular view. I have studied Irish history in depth and this was one side of the story glorified. It is totally offensive and one sided, of course it will please the bigots.

This movie shows a one sided view of a two sided story and is extremely offensive making innocent people with a certain view out to be wrong and hails murderers and terrorists as heroes. The problem is that it takes brains and thought to show the real story, this on the other hand is pure text book propaganda. Rubbish!

I think Ken Loach was in great moment when direct this movie! Drama, passion and war are the ingredients of this perfect movie that could shake your soul...if u are not a stone!!!
For me one of the best of all 2006!!!
Buy or die!!!

My ancestors were caught up in all this and I found this film a real insight into what went on without there being dramatic effects that are now so often included in films. A moving and excellent film into what went on and how it affected peoples lives.

If you loved this film ,you should watch what I think is its sister film Land and Freedom

this is truly an amazing film.no wonder it won a palme d'or at the cannes film festival in 2006!!great acting,fantastic cork accents(boyyy) and an amazing heart-felt story.GO BUY IT and if you dont,GO SEE IT!!!