Belfast - My thoughts 💭

Belfast - Dir. Kenneth Branagh

“Belfast” is about a young boy growing up in Northern Ireland in the late 1960s, with a city on the brink of rioting and violent turmoil with the Irish protestants fighting with predominantly British isle catholics which bring the country’s messy history to the surface. Instead of focusing solely on the political tensions of this tumultuous time, the director Kenneth Branagh chooses to provide a semi-autobiographical account of his childhood in the aforementioned city. The film is framed from a child’s perspective, in this case through the eyes of Buddy played by Jude Hill who gives a lovely performance. He lives with his older brother, and Ma and Pa played by Jamie Dornan (in a more emotionally mature role to date) and Caitriona Balfe (known for her role in the “Outlander” series). His father spends much of his time working in England. The wonderful Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds as Granny and Pop also fill the busy working class household. While “Belfast” is not heavy on story, it’s about all those little experiences that make up life whilst growing up, yet set against a fearfully uncertain political backdrop. It’s this innocent hue of nostalgia Branagh has embedded in his film which will be winning with audiences. The memorable soundtrack to “Belfast” also includes many songs by Van Morrison.

As a protestant family living in Northern Ireland, the character of Pa faces pressure to conform by being involved with ‘the cause’ which obviously conflicts with his ideals. If anything, I would have preferred a greater complexity to the characters and a greater emphasis on the adult perspectives as well as Buddy’s, in order for the film to be more gripping, gritty and perhaps more moving, but I guess that would make it a different film. Granted, the opening riot nearby the street of the family’s home sets the scene well and is intensely presented.

Filmed with black and white photography with cinematography by Haris Zambarloukos, it’s overall a modest film filled with simple pleasures, such as young Buddy being convinced as a youngster to pinch chocolate from the local sweets shop, experiencing your first crush at school, watching your parents dance, enjoying the magic of the cinema with your family and more somber, the tragedy of losing a loved one and and having to face the hard prospect of leaving your hometown for the opportunity of a better, safer life.

It’s refreshing to see a new personal film from director Kenneth Branagh, after much recent Disney fare and Agatha Christie adaptations (admittedly I do like his Poirot films). Here he’s given the opportunity to tell some of his own story and garner sensitive performances from his ensemble cast. It’s not a terribly long film either, so it does what it needs to do effectively and efficiently. Interestingly, this is the third film released in just two months that uses black and white photography throughout (alongside Joel Coen’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and Mike Mills’ “C’mon C’mon”). Also written by Branagh, “Belfast” is nominated for a total of 7 Oscars, including best film, best screenplay and best director, come the ceremony next month.

I’m giving “Belfast” 3.5 ⭐️ out of 5

Now showing in cinemas throughout Australia; check your listings if you live elsewhere.

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