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Set in 1969 Ireland, Belfast follows Buddy (Jude Hill), a 9-year old kid growing up during the beginning of "The Troubles". With tensions rising in the country, the kid has to deal with the usual hardships of growing up as well as the threats of violence in the streets, and the possibility of having to leave the country.
The film was written by Kenneth Branagh, and is a semi-autobiographical film, since he had to grow up in the same situation as Buddy. Branagh and his parents left Belfast and settled in England. Despite this, he still considers himself "Irish". One of the main struggles of the film's character is their reluctance to leave their country, Because of this, the film feels cathartic in its attempts to reconcile himself with this decision.
The film follows Buddy's point of view, so there's a certain childlike and sometimes surreal vibe to the events of the film. For the most part it works, but there are certain points where it falls flat. There's a certain conflict with a local agitator that becomes a focal point towards the end, but ultimately feels forced and tacked on to try to add some tension.
What does work is the family dynamics, especially between Buddy, his mom (Caitriona Balfe), and his grandparents (Ciáran Hinds and Judi Dench). I thought Balfe and Hinds were pretty good in their roles, especially Balfe. She did a great job conveying a certain strength mixed with despair in the middle of this chaos; a despair that she tries hard to restrain for the sake of the family. Jamie Dornan, who plays Buddy's dad, was serviceable, but still managed to pull some solid moments.
I thought the cinematography by Haris Zambarloukos and the direction by Branagh were a highlight. I loved the way certain shots were framed and composed, and there were certain moments when the camera movement was pretty cool. Branagh also decides to bookend the film with modern shots of the city of Belfast, which add to that feeling of love and happiness from the director for his city.
Grade:
BELFAST
(2021, Branagh)
Freebie
(2021, Branagh)
Freebie
"...the whole family looks out for you. And wherever you go and whatever you become, that'll always be the truth. And that thought will keep you safe. It'll keep you happy... Will you remember that for me?"
Set in 1969 Ireland, Belfast follows Buddy (Jude Hill), a 9-year old kid growing up during the beginning of "The Troubles". With tensions rising in the country, the kid has to deal with the usual hardships of growing up as well as the threats of violence in the streets, and the possibility of having to leave the country.
The film was written by Kenneth Branagh, and is a semi-autobiographical film, since he had to grow up in the same situation as Buddy. Branagh and his parents left Belfast and settled in England. Despite this, he still considers himself "Irish". One of the main struggles of the film's character is their reluctance to leave their country, Because of this, the film feels cathartic in its attempts to reconcile himself with this decision.
The film follows Buddy's point of view, so there's a certain childlike and sometimes surreal vibe to the events of the film. For the most part it works, but there are certain points where it falls flat. There's a certain conflict with a local agitator that becomes a focal point towards the end, but ultimately feels forced and tacked on to try to add some tension.
What does work is the family dynamics, especially between Buddy, his mom (Caitriona Balfe), and his grandparents (Ciáran Hinds and Judi Dench). I thought Balfe and Hinds were pretty good in their roles, especially Balfe. She did a great job conveying a certain strength mixed with despair in the middle of this chaos; a despair that she tries hard to restrain for the sake of the family. Jamie Dornan, who plays Buddy's dad, was serviceable, but still managed to pull some solid moments.
I thought the cinematography by Haris Zambarloukos and the direction by Branagh were a highlight. I loved the way certain shots were framed and composed, and there were certain moments when the camera movement was pretty cool. Branagh also decides to bookend the film with modern shots of the city of Belfast, which add to that feeling of love and happiness from the director for his city.
Grade: