Ken Loach’s tale of two war-torn brothers during the Irish War of Independence won him his first of two Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Fest.
Murphy is Damien, a doctor who initially wants no part of the fighting, resigned to the idea that the war is unwinnable. But after witnessing several injustices, he impulsively joins the Irish Republican Army.
Murphy portrays the transformation into a radicalized soldier who ultimately sacrifices everything for his cause without ever hitting a false note.
It’s an emotional journey that grounds the film, which went on to win the Palme d’Or at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival and is regarded by many as one of Loach’s very best.
Share this:
