Belfast

2021 • 98 minutes

About this movie

Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Kenneth Branagh, Belfast is a poignant story of love, laughter and loss in one boy's childhood, amid the music and social tumult of the late 1960s. Buddy's family lives in a largely Protestant district with a few Catholic families but one day his community and everything he thought he understood about life is suddenly turned upside down. Buddy's family gets caught in the mayhem and must decide to stay or leave the only place they have ever called home. Through it all, his passionate parents (Caitríona Balfe and Jamie Dornan) and quick-witted grandparents (Academy Award®-winner Judy Dench and Ciarán Hinds) keep the joy alive through music and the magic of movies in this feel-good story that reminds us that no matter how far you go, you never forget where you came from.

Ratings and reviews

Too much hype around this, dont waste your time, it's dire and repetitive and put me to sleep. On a plus, watch it if you can't sleep as this will help you nod off. Let's make a film about growing up in my hometown during the troubles, erm nope let's not. OK, anyone growing up during the troubles may have similar experiences to share and while this film will have people liking the film portrayment to their own experiences its boring but Americans will love it, sorry for the stigmatisation.

Kenneth Branagh's autobiographical love letter to his titular birth town is a slow one to start. But stick with it for a smashingly told (through the eyes of a child) and acted tale of one family's struggle to escape 'The Troubles' in 60's Northern Ireland. For more, see the full review: bit.ly/BelfastMovie

A heartfelt tale of childhood innocence, and growing up amongst conflict, violence and discrimination, loosely based on Branagh's own upbringing. Its low-key, understated character studies and sparing use of colour will probably be off-putting to the popcorn-munching masses, but it's well deserving of its many award nominations, with strength throughout the cast, none moreso than young Jude Hill as the main protagonist Buddy.