Rating [Rock Fist Way Up]
Coming of age stories seem to be the apex of a director’s career. Perhaps it signals a final chance to tell their story before entering retirement, or reflecting back on the past at a time in their life when they need it most. Whatever the case, stories that are personal to a filmmaker oftentimes swell me with emotion and yearning for a chance to do something similar in my own life. This time around it is acclaimed director Kenneth Branagh’s time to tell his story. Through Belfast, Branagh is able to take a slice of his own childhood and present it to audiences through warm embrace, saccharine in all the right ways through the eyes of a young lad in Troubles-era Northern Ireland.
Belfast follows young Buddy (Jude Hill), taking on the Branagh role in our story. His life through the struggles of the constant conflict between Catholics and Protestants doesn’t deter him from experiencing the joys of childhood. Falling for the girl he sits next to at school, stealing sweets from a local shop, and being mesmerized from the movies he sees on television and in the theaters, Buddy lives the life of Riley. His parents, Caitríona Balfe as Ma and Jamie Dornan as Pa, have troubles of their own. Deciding the best life for their family comes down to being more than behind on bills versus losing their life to fighting in a battle they want no part of. Their harrowing moments are seen through the eyes of impressionable Buddy who many times plays jury to the decision his parents go through. Topping off the family are grandparents Granny (Dame Judi Dench) and Pop (Ciarán Hinds) who offer the most sound advice to their younger kin, having experienced everything life could throw at them already.
To tell Buddy’s stories in a smaller way within a much larger scale of turmoil, Branagh successfully crafts the film from the viewpoint of the child. The most haunting and captivating moment of the film is young Buddy being smack jawed at a film he is watching on screen with his family. The power of the movie is something that resonates with anybody and keeps that warmth of Belfast boiling. For myself, I found the heart and soul in the outstanding performance of Ciarán Hinds. As grandfather to Buddy, he offers sound advice on growing up and what it means to have a family that loves him, supports him and wants what is best for him. His words to Buddy moved me to tears, reminding me of my own grandfather and his words of wisdom.
On a technical aspect, Belfast is fun to look at. Black and white cinematography is having a resurgence in this new century, and it works when it’s used well. Branagh and cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos sneak in some wonderful moments of color amidst the grey. One of the bigger moments of this film too is the soundtrack, which is hit or miss. At times jarring, the best moment music-wise is Dornan’s rendition of Everlasting Love that solidifies the love of Ma and Pa in a tender way.
Belfast is a crowd pleaser to say the least. Winning the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival was no fluke as it delights in all regards. It is a joyous occasion of growing up with such a close knit and loving family. It reminds me how close we are to the time of the season where we are thankful and fortunate to have families and friends that we can embrace the glorious moments in life. Despite our own troubles, we keep on being mesmerized by the little things in life that leave us with a lasting emotional impact.
Christian Ramos is a classic film fan, having had the dream to host Turner Classic Movies for years now. He also has a large amount of Oscar trivia in his head, remembers dressing as Groucho Marx one Halloween, and cherishes the moment Julianne Moore liked his tweet.
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