Writer/director Kenneth Branagh’s master class of filmmaking, Belfast rewards the viewer in many ways. Its sumptuous look and involving storyline play like a love letter to his youth but one with the reality of his surroundings at the core and they were hard times indeed. The period was known as “The Troubles”.
In its simplest terms, it was a conflict between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland that lasted about 30 years from the late sixties to the late nineties. The underlining cause was the factions in Northern Ireland that wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom and others that wanted to leave to the UK to form their own country.
The story is told through the eyes of nine-year-old Buddy (the transcendent newcomer Jude Hill) and his family who had to endure the violence and unrest during The Troubles before leaving Belfast to move to England. Their existence initially seems idyllic but cracks soon appear before all-out violence and rioting erupt.
Director of photography Haris Zambarloukos does an amazing job and he frames almost every shot with a hyper sense of realism that is very effective at drawing you in. While Branagh has the ability to elicit outstanding performances from his entire cast. This film will tug your heartstrings and entertain you in equal parts. It’s a must-see.
Rob Hudson
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