The Wind That Shakes the Barley

In County Cork, Damien O'Donovan prepares to leave for London to pursue a medical career. However, witnessing the brutal execution of his friend Micheál at the hands of the British Black and Tans dramatically alters his perspective on leaving his homeland.

Despite his initial reluctance, Damien is compelled to join the Irish Republican Army (IRA) after reflecting on the violence inflicted on his friend. He is inducted into the local brigade led by his brother, Teddy, marking a pivotal change in his life.

The IRA brigade undergoes intense training in the rugged mountains of Ireland. This preparation culminates in a plan to seize firearms from the Royal Irish Constabulary barracks, demonstrating their commitment to the nationalist cause.

The brigade successfully executes a daring mission to storm the barracks, acquiring weapons they will use against British forces. Their increasing boldness leads to the execution of four Auxiliary members, escalating the conflict.

Tensions rise when Sir John Hamilton employs his servant Chris to spy on the IRA, leading to the arrest of Damien and his comrades. This betrayal profoundly impacts the morale of the brigade and signifies the dangers they face.

While imprisoned, Damien witnesses the brutal treatment of his brother Teddy, who endures horrific torture for refusing to reveal IRA secrets. This harrowing experience solidifies Damien's resolve to fight back against their captors.

In a turn of fate, British soldier Johnny Gogan, who is of Irish descent, aids the IRA prisoners in their escape. However, not all prisoners are freed during this attempt, highlighting the complexities of loyalty in the conflict.

Following the arrest of the IRA brigade, the betrayal by Sir John and Chris is revealed, resulting in their capture by the very group they sought to undermine. This act of justice underscores the harsh realities of the ongoing conflict.

As the war escalates, Damien is put in a heart-wrenching position where he must execute his childhood friend Chris and Sir John. This decision weighs heavily on him, reflecting the tragic consequences of civil strife.

Following a successful ambush on a British convoy, a retaliatory assault is launched against the farmhouse of Damien's love interest, Sinéad. The attack leads to her suffering a traumatic experience, which adds to the overall tragedy of the war.

The signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty creates a rift among the IRA members. Debates arise between those wanting to accept the Treaty for peace and those advocating for complete independence, showcasing the complexities of their struggle.

With the establishment of the Irish Free State, Damien aligns with the Anti-Treaty IRA, escalating the conflict into the Irish Civil War. This new phase of violence leaves Damien and his comrades grappling with the consequences of their choices.

The civil war proves costly for Damien's faction when Dan is killed and Damien is captured during a raid. The dire circumstances lead him to face a death sentence, underscoring the brutal realities of their resistance.

As Damien awaits execution beside his brother Teddy, they confront their family's legacy and the choices they made in pursuit of their beliefs. Teddy implores Damien to betray his allies for amnesty, leading to a heartbreaking standoff between the brothers.

In his final moments, Damien refuses to betray the Republic, solidifying his commitment to his cause. He pens a poignant letter to Sinéad before facing his execution at dawn, representing the ultimate sacrifice for his beliefs.