‘Belfast’ a deeply moving feature

The Kenneth Branagh film, ‘Belfast,’ is a film straight from his own experience. A nine-year-old boy must chart a path towards adulthood through a world that has suddenly turned upside down.

His stable and loving community and everything he thought he understood about life has changed forever but joy, laughter, music and the magic of the movies remain.

‘Belfast’ is a well-done feature film that will have you laugh and also feel extremely moved. This amazing film delivers brilliant performances, especially from Jude Hill who portrays Buddy. There are some parts in the film where his performance can make you chuckle and there are others where he can make you feel like shedding a tear. You can really feel for the characters after you see them going through the struggles in their city and their household. The film also has quite a few heart-felt moments which are really engaging and touching. Definitely, quite a few emotional moments will really move you and leave you a little teary-eyed. Branagh did an exceptional job directing this beautiful film and the black and white is a real nice touch.

‘Belfast’ features great songs from Belfast native Van Morrison, including a new original song he worked on for the film (‘Down To Joy’ during the opening credits). The film’s dedication at the end is a nice, touching way to conclude the film. It read: “For the ones who stayed. For the ones who left. And for all the ones who were lost.”

During what’s left of the Winter Film Festival, make sure to check out this highly acclaimed feature. ‘Belfast’ will leave you moved right until the very end.

The cast: Jamie Dornan (Wild Mountain Thyme) as Pa, Caitriona Balfe (Ford v Ferrari) as Ma; Jude Hill as Buddy; Lewis McAskie as Will; Judi Dench (Blithe Spirit) as Granny; Ciaran Hinds (Zach Snyder’s Justice League) as Pop; Josie Walker as Auntie Violet; Olive Termant as Catherine; Lara McDonnell as Moira and Colin Morgan as Billy Clanton, among others.

‘Belfast’ is written, produced and directed by Branagh, who has recently directed ‘Death on the Nile,’ ‘Artemis Fowl,’ ‘All Is True’ and ‘Murder on the Orient Express.’

Branagh wrote the screenplay at the encouragement of his friend, actor John Sessions (Finding Your Feet). The film is based on true story events from Branagh’s own childhood. Various members of the production were actually born in Belfast, including Branagh, Jamie Dornan (Pa), Ciaran Hinds (Pops) and Josie Walker (Auntie Violet). Branagh started work on the film in March 2020 and principal photography began that September. Filming initially took place in or around London, before moving to Belfast. ‘Belfast’ had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on Sept. 2, 2021, where it became the festival’s most often screened film of that year.

During this year’s award season, ‘Belfast’ has been nominated for several awards and won quite a few as well. Just recently, the film had been nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. In my opinion, I think this film is a lock for Best Picture.

‘Belfast’ is rated PG-13 for some violence and strong language and has a running time of 98 minutes.