Belfast

BELFAST (12)

D: Kenneth Branagh

Universal / Focus / Northern Ireland Screen / TKBC (Kenneth Branagh, Laura Berwick, Becca Kovacik & Tamar Thomas)

UK 🇬🇧 2021

97 mins

Drama

W: Kenneth Branagh

DP: Haris Zambarloukos

Ed: Una Ni Dhonghaile

Mus: Van Morrison

Jude Hill (Buddy), Caitriona Balfe (Ma), Jamie Dornan (Pa), Judi Dench (Granny), Ciaran Hinds (Pop), Colin Morgan (Billy Clanton), Lara McDonnell (Moira)

Writer-director Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical memoir of a young boy growing up amidst the increasing political turmoil in Belfast is easily one of the best films of 2021, with phenomenal performances from the entire cast, especially from its juvenile lead star, Jude Hill, making his film debut.

Set in the late 1960’s on a residential street in the Northern Irish capital, events unfold from the perspective of the nine-year-old son of a working class family, who are caught up in the riots between the Catholics and Protestants.

It’s immediately evident that the source material meant a lot to the writer-director, who has clearly made this film as a labour of love, utilising black and white cinematography as a time portal, as well as colour sequences for some literal movie magic.

A superb ensemble piece, beautifully observed and recreated, and deserved nominee for Best Picture at the Oscars, BAFTAs and other major film awards.

8/10