Josh Reviews Belfast

Belfast, written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, is set in the titular city during 1969.  Based on Mr. Branagh’s own childhood, the film focuses on the experience of a nine-year old boy during “the Troubles” (the violence in Ireland that lasted from the 1960’s to the 1990’s).

I thought Belfast was beautiful.  The film doesn’t shy away from depicting some of the ugliness happening in Belfast in 1969, but there’s also a lightness and a joy to the film that I found very endearing.  Mr. Branagh was wise to focus his story less on specific plot mechanics and more on the humanity of the characters in the film: most especially, this young boy and the people in his family who surround him.

Jude Hill is terrific as Buddy, the young boy through whose eyes we experience the film.  Bravo to Mr. Branagh for casting such a remarkable young man and for helping him to create such an honest and affecting performance!  At several key points in the film, Mr. Branagh’s camera rests on Mr. Hill’s face, allowing us to experience his reactions.  Not many adult actors could be so compelling in those scenes!! Caitríona Balfe (Outlander) is terrific as Buddy’s mother.  Ms. Balfe has a commanding screen presence.  She’s fierce and protective of her son; at the same time, she is young and uncertain, and the film allows us to see the cracks and the strains upon her.  This is a terrific performance.  Jamie Dornan is also excellent as Buddy’s father.  He is often absent from Buddy’s life, because he has a job working in England.  Like Buddy’s mother, his father is not presented without weaknesses; we see that he likes to drink and seems to have some trouble with money and debts.  At the same time, like Buddy’s mother, we see how much Buddy looks up to him, and how powerful and important a presence he is in Buddy’s life.  And as with Buddy’s mother, we see his bravery when confronted with the threats of violence that increasingly surround them in Belfast.

Dame Judi Dench is spectacular as always as Buddy’s grandmother.  She is often in the background of scenes, but she is a strong presence in Buddy’s life and Ms. Dench’s power shines through in every moment.  (Mr. Branagh wisely gives her the last word in the film.)  And then there is Ciarán Hinds (The Road to Perdition, Munich, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Justice League), who is mesmerizing as Buddy’s grandfather.  Mr. Hinds is absolutely wonderful in the film.  He’s so funny, and he also has such a simple yet powerful grace.  It’s an extraordinary performance.

The majority of Belfast was shot in beautiful black and white.  It’s a strong choice, as it helps give the film a sense of being a window into nostalgic memory, and the black and white cinematography by Haris Zambarloukos is absolutely gorgeous.  Mr. Branagh also is then able to use moments of color to great effect.

I appreciated the warmth with which Mr. Branagh was able to capture Buddy’s family life, as well as the vibrant and loving community on his street in Belfast.  The film is effective in conveying the degree to which this street — and all the people who lived there — were the entire universe for Buddy, and how the idea of every leaving it was almost unimaginable.

Assisting with that sense of warmth was the terrific score, filled with beautiful music by Van Morrison.  That was a great choice; it helps to give this period piece a modern sensibility (as opposed to a sort of stolid, old-timey boring feel that can sometimes affect this type of film).

I also enjoyed the way the film occasionally pauses to salute the power of movies themselves.  The family’s trip to a theatre to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a lovely moment.

I applaud Mr. Branagh for crafting such a lovely, personal film.

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