Belfast

Ten Second Review: While not always joyous, this film is a joy to watch.

I think it fair that I declare my own bias in relation this film; I can’t stand Kenneth Branagh. I don’t know that I have ever consistently enjoyed his work and I always find him to stick out from projects in a way that feels unnatural and overplayed. Here however, I think he nails it.

Loosely based on Branagh’s own experiences, Buddy (Jude Hill) lives in Belfast in 1969. As Protestants hunt down Catholics families on his street, we see the beginning of the troubles played out through the eyes of a child. 

There is no one thing that I think makes this film enjoyable to watch, it is more the sum of lots of small things. A cast that really fit their roles, an atmosphere that is expertly crafted to let you feel the tensions of the time but the innocence and humour of a child’s view, and some of the sweetest writing I’ve seen in months. It’s not a loud film, and to his credit, that is generally a trait that I would hold against Branagh. Instead here he has made a delicate and thoughtful film that less obviously centres himself.

If I were to name a single thing that makes this film so watchable, it would be Hill. As I mentioned, the whole cast works well together and put in great performances, but Jude HIll is just brilliant. To be a lynchpin for the whole film is a lot of pressure, but he was just perfect.

I would say that the soundtrack, while generally enjoyable, had a few moments that felt ill considered. Not enough to spoil the whole film, but enough to remind you Kenneth Branagh was directing.

If you get the chance to watch Belfast I highly recommend that you do. It will gain next to nothing from the big screen for most so it’s certainly something that can be caught at a later date. Whether it’s an evening at the cinema, an evening in or a Sunday afternoon watch, I’ll definitely be recommending Belfast.