Film: Belfast

 

GENRE: Drama
RATING: PG-13 for some violence and strong language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 38 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Caitriona Balfe (Ford v Ferrari, Outlander)
Jamie Dornan (Wild Mountain Thyme); Jude Hill (newcomer)
DIRECTOR: Kenneth Branagh (Thor, Hamlet, Artemis Fowl)
WRITER: Branagh (Shakespeare adaptations for film)
PLOT: Based on a story from Branagh’s life, a young boy and his family experience the religious riots of the late 1960’s.   

FULL DISCLOSURE: I’m assuming it’s going to get some Oscar noms.

STORY STUFF: I’m always disappointed with humanity when I see rioting and there’s a bunch of it in this movie. The storytelling for this film is solid and takes on more meaning as it is semi-autobiographical. I’m glad the running time is manageable and not some long life story. Way to keep it tight Branagh.

ACTING STUFF: I enjoyed many of the performances in this film. Balfe is excellent as the mother trying to keep her family together. Hill is adorable as Buddy with his cute accent and wide eyes to the world around him. The scene stealers though are the grandparents played by Judi Dench (Skyfall) and Ciaran Hinds (Rome, Munich). They are gold.

ARTISTIC STUFF: There is some beautiful cinematography throughout this film. The black and white works well and Branagh smartly adds colour when there are artistic performances going on. I also enjoyed the score and songs provided by Van Morrison.

VERDICT: Three and half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You want to prep for Oscars with some 1960’s Irish turmoil.   
UPCOMING REVIEW: King Richard