[The Second Take]The Only Power to Prevent Humanity's Crisis: Good Nature

Director Martin McDonagh’s ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
Broken Bonds and the Loss of Innocence
Highlighting Solidarity and Cooperation Rooted in Goodness

In the movie 'The Banshees of Inisherin,' Colm (Brendan Gleeson) unilaterally declares a breakup to his friend P?draic (Colin Farrell). "I didn't say anything wrong. I did nothing wrong. I just don't like you anymore." "But you like me." "No, I don't."

Colm believes he doesn't have much time left in his life. Instead of wasting time chatting aimlessly with P?draic, he wants to compose music and gain fame. When P?draic approaches with a displeased expression, Colm sternly warns him, "There are sheep-shearing scissors at home. From now on, every time you bother me, I'll cut off one of my fingers and give it to you."

Faced with insults marked by indifference and anger, P?draic feels awkward. He tries to mend their relationship almost neurotically, but only deepens the wounds. His kind and gentle nature becomes twisted.

The sharp conflict alludes to the backdrop of the 1923 Irish Civil War. The fight began with the treaty signed between Britain and Ireland after a ceasefire. The treaty caused a split between separatists who wanted independence so Ireland could focus on domestic affairs and those who opposed the treaty and wanted a republic. Although they knew the root cause was Britain, they pointed guns at each other and fought back.

Historians Frank X. Martin and Theo W. Moody described the tragedy of fratricide in their book 'A History of Ireland' as follows: "There may have been disagreements about exactly what a republic meant. However, those who pursued a republic knew that it did not mean accepting the treaty, which required an oath of allegiance to the British king."

Director Martin McDonagh does not take sides. He uses the banshee to encourage an objective perspective. The banshee is a female fairy known as the Tuatha D? Danann, an Irish goddess tribe. It is said to follow families with pure bloodlines, wailing to foretell a death. Some say it cries for all Irish people.

P?draic, obsessed with restoring the relationship, slips toward ruin. From the banshee’s viewpoint, it is the village’s downfall. The people look down on P?draic with narrow-minded and petty thinking. "Colm is an intellectual gentleman. You’re not." "Maybe if you were his brother." "You’re, how should I say, a good-natured friend." "Except when you’re drunk."

P?draic loses his innocence and simplicity. He approaches a music student friend of Colm’s and lies that his father is critically injured after being hit by a bread delivery truck. Dominic (Barry Keoghan), who had trusted and relied on P?draic until the end, is deeply disappointed. "How could you do such a mean thing? I thought you were the kindest person in the village, but turns out you’re just the same."

Humanity has survived existential crises such as wars and disasters because it was overwhelmed by its good nature. Breaking the frame that human nature is selfish, it achieved unimaginable solidarity and cooperation. Philosopher Rutger Bregman wrote in his book 'Humankind' that this is "the most realistic and only way for humanity, trapped in the snare of inequality, hatred, and distrust, to overcome crises."

Humans are not isolated beings. They have always grown by forming communities. By expanding social horizons and securing bonds that allow mutual dialogue, they restored the ideal of their own authenticity. To P?draic, whose entire life has become meaningless, no matter how much you speak, it is like talking to a wall. He no longer accepts his authenticity as a moral ideal. That does not mean there is no possibility of change. He knows exactly what the end will be.

"It’s been about two days since we last heard gunfire on the mainland. Looks like it’s ending." "Surely it will start again soon. Some things just can’t be let go."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.