Belfast (2021)

Belfast (2021)

A gorgeous and well-performed family drama set in Belfast during The Troubles

The Very Best

8.1

Movie

United Kingdom
English, Portuguese
Drama, History
2021
KENNETH BRANAGH
Bríd Brennan, Caitriona Balfe, Chris McCurry
98 min

What it's about

Buddy is a young boy on the cusp of adolescence, whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance. Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his family faces a momentous choice: hope the conflict will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life.

The take

Belfast stars Outlander’s Caitríona Balfe as the mother of a working-class Northern Irish family during The Troubles. Religious tension and the lack of opportunities put the family in a difficult position: they're the first in many generations to think about leaving the city of Belfast. They all have to navigate so many difficult questions on belonging, religion, and identity.

The story,  based on the director’s own childhood, is packaged in a noise-canceling black and white format. Also stars Judi Dench.

Comments

Overrated at everyturn.

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