7. Belfast; movie review

 

BELFAST

Cert 12A

98 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate threat, discrimination, infrequent strong language

I laughed ten times and then burst into barely controlled sobbing as we departed Nottingham Cineworld.

Kenneth Branagh's Belfast is a masterpiece. In just one view, it became one of my top five films of all time.

I can't remember a movie which had such an impact since Schindler's List more than a quarter of a century ago.

The attention to detail is fantastic, the dialogue is just wonderful and Branagh manages to dovetail supreme tension and the blissful ignorance of a child.

And then there is the reason I cried - Judi Dench reminded me so much of my beloved grandmother that it was as if she was peering down from the screen at me.

Regardless of that similarity, I don't think she has ever been better.

She isn't alone - Ciaran Hinds has the twinkle of wisdom as the grandfather who is forever in his back yard tinkering with stuff - just like my grandad did.

Jamie Dornan and Catriona Balfe have great spark as the Protestant parents who live in a predominantly Catholic area.

And then there is the real star of the show - Jude Hill as Buddy... because, while this may be a film which is set at the beginning of The Troubles, it is very much about growing up in the 60s.

It is also a lesson in common sense.

Belfast is set in August 1969 as sectarian violence begins to erupt on the city's streets, disturbing the easygoing sort of life which could have been experienced in any UK city.

Neighbours lived in each other's pockets and kids played out in the streets because there were so few cars.

This peace was disrupted by those who either sought power or couldn't see beyond religious bigotry.

But, of course, Buddy is the last to release the dangers. His concentration is on improving his maths score so he can sit next to the ten-year-old girl he believes he will marry.

Almost every move he made, and every toy he had, resonated with me.

His innocence, juxtaposed with the rise of violence is supremely handled.

So is the dilemma of the family who have a chance to leave for a better life in England. The wrench seems unbearable but so does staying.

Belfast also looks great in intimate black and white.

I shall write no more other than watch it... you owe it to yourself.

Reasons to watch: One of the finest films ever

Reasons to avoid: None

Laughs: I lost count at ten

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 10/10

Did you know? This is the sixth film collaboration between Kenneth Branagh and Judi Dench. 

The final word. Kenneth Branagh: "Part of the Belfast condition would be that you never show off. You never have ideas above your station. You do not think you’re better than anybody else. I couldn’t tell the story until I felt there was some recognition in it, that it wasn’t some navel-gazing act of my own." Washington Post

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