I realize that during the period of two world wars people don’t pay much attention to ,,small’’ civil wars, where ,,only’’ hundreds of people died. Comparing to First Battle of the Somme during World War I where 1,120,000 lost their lives, or Siege of Leningrad during World War II with the loss of 4,500,000 people who would mention guerrilla somewhere in the north. Children at schools learn about Normandy or Verdun, not about 1916 – Battle of Ashbourne. Well, maybe except children in Ireland. I would like to provide you some basic, crucial information about independence fight of Irish people and recommend some movies about the subject. And tell you a little about my trip to Ireland.
Ireland- a piece of history
Irish movie The Wind That Shakes the Barley- drastic scene of British cruelty towards civilians.
What can I tell you about The Irish Civil War? Well, between 1919 to 1921 the Irish Republican Army and the British security forces fought and lost hundreds of people, on the wave of independence fights which occurred in Europe.
Because politics of Irleand declared independence from Great Britain, the Crown sent military service to pacify the rebellion. IRA, the army of the Irish Republic which was officially illegal started to gather the weapon and attack British soldiers. Political prisoners were released from prisons. Also civilians were shot, the escalation of the conflict was called Bloody Sunday and happened on 21 November 1920.
Scene from Michael Collins movie. It presents the life of Irish republican leader, soldier and politician.
It was a decisive turning-point in this struggle. British forces shot fourteen civilians during sports match in Dublin. Also policeman and important military men lost their lives. 32 people were killed and it made this war visible in the newspapers also abroad. It showed that innocent people, women, children, civilians were brutally killed with no chance to say goodbye. It was obvious that for British soldiers their lives meant more than nothing. They just wanted to pacify people who demanded their freedom and were ready to sacrifice their lives for this aim. Both sides agreed to a truce on 11 July 1921.
Movies that inspired me to involve in independence subject
Let me mention a few titles which present difficult times of the above mentioned events and times. They are difficult, expect scenes full of cruelty. I put them in an alphabetic order but the last one- The Wind That Shakes the Barley is my favorite one. I recommend to see at least this one.
The Dawning from 1988 depicts the Irish War of Independence
Beloved Enemy
The Dawning
The Informer
Irish Destiny
Michael Collins
A Nightingale Falling
Ourselves Alone
Ryan’s Daughter
Shake Hands with the Devil
The Treaty
The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Irish movie festival and Independence Musuem
Early medieval Dublin Castle located in the heart of the city. It was such a nice trip!
Because I’m a film lover I decided to attend Audi Dublin International Film Festival. I really wanted to see the best of Irish and international cinema with the people who also share my passion. Created with Irish Film Institute this event is cultivating culture and selling movies. For me the first aspect is more important. I love talking with people, listening their opinions.
You will always learn something new and rethink your views. Trip to Dublin was lovely. I was in National Museum of Ireland which tells how a campaign of harassment and guerrilla activity against Britain led to independence. Isn’t it satisfying to confirm the facts you already know, because you have seen plenty of movies in this field? I was enjoying Guiness in Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub and talked with those red haired people. That was a good trip.