Belfast
Belfast

Belfast

2021Movie98 minEnglish

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.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Metacritic85
Google Users94%
Director: Kenneth BranaghGenres: Biography, Drama, History, Family

Plot Summary

Buddy's childhood in Belfast at the cusp of the Troubles is a vibrant, chaotic adventure filled with family, friends, and football. However, as political and religious tensions escalate, his world is turned upside down. The film follows his journey as his family grapples with the decision to stay or leave their beloved home, seen through the innocent eyes of a young boy.

Critical Reception

Kenneth Branagh's semi-autobiographical film 'Belfast' was widely praised for its heartfelt storytelling, stunning black-and-white cinematography, and strong performances, particularly from its young lead and ensemble cast. Critics lauded its poignant portrayal of childhood during a turbulent period, though some noted its somewhat romanticized perspective on the Troubles.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply personal and visually striking film that captures the essence of childhood.
  • Praised for its warm performances and nostalgic, yet poignant, narrative.
  • Appreciated for its hopeful tone amidst the backdrop of historical conflict.

Google audience: Audiences connected deeply with 'Belfast,' praising its emotional resonance and the authentic portrayal of family bonds. Many viewers found the film heartwarming and inspiring, highlighting its ability to evoke nostalgia and a sense of hope.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Ciarán Hinds), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Judi Dench), and Best Original Song.

Fun Fact

Kenneth Branagh's father, who was from Belfast, had a significant influence on the story. Branagh himself moved to England with his family at the age of nine to escape the escalating violence in Northern Ireland.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
badelf

badelf

This is the kind of cinema that we always hope to see - brilliantly fresh, tight script, beautifully shot, amazing performances, an autobiographical-based story of the directory himself, Sir Kenneth Branagh, and ... Van Morrison soundtrack....
tmdb28039023

tmdb28039023

Belfast is packed with powerful images — shot in Haris Zambarloukos’s majestic black-and-white cinematography (except for a handful of color shots at key moments, notably the escapist windows that film and TV offer the characters) — beginni...
r96sk

r96sk

A swell little film, this. I may not have a connection to the events portrayed onscreen, but <em>'Belfast'</em> is - despite the not so good true events that it's retelling - is a pleasant film to watch. With a perfectly timed length of ...
Adriano

Adriano

I wanted to like this more than I did. It's fine, but it just doesn't resonate terribly well with me. Not to mention it feels a bit like a stage-play, taking place all on one street. I understand it's supposed to be the world through a chil...