Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh
Starring Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarin Hinds and Jude Hill
Running time 1 hour 37 minutes
Now playing in theaters

by A. Freedman, Staff Writer

Since Alfonso Cuaron's 2018 masterwork Roma, it seems like every other prominent filmmaker has wanted to follow suit in making a film inspired by the world of their childhood. Now it is Kenneth Branagh's turn with Belfast. The bard-interpreter turned franchise-helmer has directed a highly personal black and white trip down memory lane, that at little over 90 minutes summons the powerful emotions associated with childlike wonder.

As a child growing up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Branagh's protestant family was caught in the middle of the troubles of the late 60's. Sectarian religious conflict ignited the region. Belfast is inspired by his memories of a blissful childhood interrupted by the harsh intrusions of a violent world. Tiny Jude Hill makes his film debut as Buddy, a charming and scrawny little boy whose eyes we see the movie through. We first meet him playing fake war with a trash can lid and a sword made out of cardboard or something- suddenly he's face to face with an angry Protestant mob, and fleeing into his mother's (Caitriona Balfe) arms for safety. Fantasy turned into reality a little too quickly. But it's a testament to the bond and love of Buddy's family (rounded out by Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench and Ciarin Hinds) that he still feels generally so safe, protected and happy. Children are flexible and quick to adjust in a safe family unit- so even with the throwing of molotov cocktails and a huge barricade at the end of his street, Buddy is a happy little boy.

Branagh makes the film go by quickly, in and out, zipping around like childhood memory. The center framing, deadpan conversations and free association editing style bring to mind Wes Anderson, an influence I did not expect to find going into the film. Branagh could have certainly lingered longer in many of the scenes, but the quick journey into the past reflects the point of view we are watching it through.

The same can be said for the depiction of the Troubles. There are many films about this conflict, but most of the time told from the Catholic side, who suffered a long history of state sponsored discrimination at the hands of the crown. It was interesting to see these events from the Protestant side of things- where the witness is merely a child who doesn't even know what the difference between the two sides is anyways. The film doesn't try to explain anything about the roots, ins and outs of the conflict, choosing wisely to look at it from Buddy's confused point of view. Buddy assumes that people are good, right up until the point that he is being coaxed into a mob looting a grocery store. No one has taught Buddy to hate or to see difference as a thing to be feared.

The performances are all around spectacular, as to be expected from the likes of Judi Dench and Ciarin Hinds. No strangers to stealing the show, you can expect them to earn Oscar nominations. Jamie Dornan also surprises as the loving father, who is gone for work far more than he wants to be. Dornan is well on his way to shedding the "Mr. Grey" label and being embraced for the smooth, charismatic and likable presence he exudes in Belfast.

In the end, Belfast is certainly awards fodder- your parents are going to absolutely love it. I was glad to find it as delightful as it was- an autobiographical film that succeeds at its aims of being broadly crowd pleasing. I didn't even mind hearing the voice of anti-vax, right wing conspiracy wingnut, Belfast native Van Morrison grace the soundtrack every ten minutes.