Nominated for best picture at this years Oscars, Belfast tells the tale of a young boy and his working class family as they experience the turbulent late 1960’s in Northern Ireland.
Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, and based on real events from his childhood, the films monochrome presentation successfully captures the feeling of an old memory. There are brief explosions of colour however, most notably at the cinema, as Buddy and his family find solace in the big screen and films such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
When his Pa, (Jamie Dornan) returns from a carpentry job in England, he finds his family drowning under a mountain of debt and with sectarian hostility brewing in their neighbourhood. Buddy, portrayed by newcomer Jude Hill with effortless charm, must watch as their catholic friends and neighbours are driven out of their homes in the Protestant street.
When Pa receives a permanent job offer in England, Ma, (played by the excellent Caitríona Balfe) who’s family have spent generations in Belfast, is against leaving their home for safer shores and Buddy’s not sure either. He has a crush on a catholic girl in his class and is working on catching her eye with the help of his kindly Grampa’s romantic advice.
Ciarán Hinds and Judy Dench star as Granny and Grandpop and bring a endearing humour to the film, whilst both have received best supporting oscar nominations for their efforts.
As well acted and crowd pleasing as the film may be it does lack an edge.
The fact Branagh tells the tale from a child’s eye view is charming, but results in a sugar coated story which barely scratches the surface of the troubles his hometown faced at the time.
It’s true not every film needs to contain searing political analysis, but the film does over simplify the conflict, Dornan dismissing it as ‘all about bloody religion’ at one point.
Belfast also suffers from a distinct lack of peril despite the tumultuous setting with none of it’s lead characters ever feeling in real danger.
Aesthetically, the film is beautifully shot by long time Branagh collaborator Harris Zambarloukos, however the overbearing Van Morrison soundtrack feels more than a little on the nose.
Solid but unremarkable, Branagh’s feel good memoir is flawed but could still bring home multiple academy awards given its seven nominations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Paul Steward
@Grittster
10/02/22