Belfast (2021) Movie Review

Belfast is set in the late 1960’s during a tumultuous time wherein Protestants are attempting to force Catholics out of the neighborhoods. The movie begins with Buddy (Jude Hill) playing in the street as a mob of Protestants begin spilling onto the pavement throwing rocks and bombing cars. It’s a jarring scene with the whimsy of childhood being interrupted by the political and religious turmoil of adults. We see everything through the eyes of the young Buddy, which simplifies the story and allows director and writer Kenneth Branagh to avoid delving too deeply into the political sphere. Buddy continues doing normal kid stuff as the world around him is filled with checkpoints and barricades.

Part of what makes Belfast so entertaining are the characters Branagh has created, perfectly captured by the actors he has selected. Jude Hill is absolutely adorable and his delivery makes every line come to life. His crush on a girl at school prompts him to begin studying math so he will be granted the opportunity to sit next to her. He theorizes about love with his Grandpa in several heartwarming scenes. His father (Jamie Dornan) has a job in London and is away for much of the time. This leaves his Ma (Caitriona Balfe) to care for him and his older brother.

Luckily his Pop (Ciarán Hinds) and Granny (Judi Dench) live close by and they help take care of the kids too. Pop and Granny have a sweet relationship and their long love has shifted into the type of comfortable, caring companionship that most people only dream of. Throughout the movie they exchange several hilarious lines such as, “What’s yours is mine and what’s mine is me own.” Plus they help Buddy make sense of growing up in a turbulent time. The adults are faced with even more difficulties as they understand the severity of what’s going on around them. But we only hear snippets of their conversations as Buddy does, so Belfast forges on with an impossible balance of childhood lightness and the crushing darkness of adulthood. This duality feels odd at times, particularly if you know the severity of the historical events taking place on the screen. While Belfast suffers a bit due to this, it certainly does not detract from the absolutely charming atmosphere the film produces.

The characters are distinct and grapple with the thought of having to leave the only home they’ve ever known. Each character reacts to the events differently, and Branagh gives each of them the space to become likable and empathetic. It’s Branagh’s most personal film to date, echoing the growing trend of directors to mimic Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, and make intimate movies about their childhood. For the most part Branagh succeeds here in showcasing all of the best bits about growing up in Belfast – the people. The cast delivers an all star performance and makes Belfast a blast to watch. Dench and Hinds deliver master class performances with chemistry that will leave you thinking they must be married in real life. Jude Hill anchors the movie with an innocent nature and hilarious comedic timing. Overall, Belfast is not one to be missed.

You’ll like this movie if:
1. You remember the events in Belfast in the late 1960’s
2. You like movies about childhood
3. You like sweet stories about family