Growing up and hearing stories from my Grandfather about the Blank and Tans I might have viewed this movie with a somewhat different eye than you Bucket, of course I am assuming your Grandfather wasn't there. Certainly the story made for a violent and depressing movie, not sure you would want to butter it up differently though. This movie caused huge controversy in Britain and to a lesser extent in Ireland, Ken Loach though has never shied away form controversial topics . I understand in movies like this the freedom fighters often are portrayed in a romantic way , I think Loach avoided this for the most part. Bucket I would be surprised if you got this movie thinking Braveheart.