Some films are praised. Others are called classics. And then there are the rare few that viewers describe as the “best film ever made”. One war drama starring Cillian Murphy continues to earn that level of praise nearly 20 years after it was released.

It has a 90% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, along with an 87% audience rating. On top of that, fans regularly call it a masterpiece and say it is a must-watch. It may not be as widely discussed as some Hollywood blockbusters, but those who have seen it rarely forget it.

The film in question is The Wind That Shakes the Barley.

Released in 2006 and directed by Ken Loach, the film is set during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War.

It follows two brothers from County Cork, Damien and Teddy O’Donovan, played by Cillian Murphy and Pádraic Delaney, who join the Irish Republican Army to fight for independence, only to later find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict.

The film takes its title from a song about the 1798 rebellion in Ireland and went on to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006.

It was widely praised and became one of Loach’s most successful films at the box office at the time.

Viewers have also not held back in their praise.

One person wrote in a review on Rotten Tomatoes: “If this movie was made today Cillian Murphy would have been the youngest actor to win an Oscar ever, but times were different so this movie only won the Cannes film festival and was barely noticed. An incredible movie, Ken Loach’s best in my opinion. A hard watch but a must-watch!”

Another added: “I love this movie. I’ve watched it four times and keep returning to it over the years. Masterclass in filmmaking with a powerful story and great performances.”

A third wrote: “Masterpiece war film. Might be the best film ever made. It’s hauntingly heartbreaking.”

Someone else commented: “Outstanding. A truly beautiful and wonderfully crafted period film. Eye-opening for its exploration of events quite unknown to most outside Ireland.

“The humanity, inhumanity, and hopelessness of mankind are vividly and intimately on display here. Mandatory viewing, in my opinion.”

The film does not shy away from difficult moments. It explores loyalty, betrayal, ideology and the personal cost of war.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley is available to stream on BFI Player.