Low-level war, known as The Troubles, is in full swing in Belfast, Northern Ireland in the late 1960’s. The war is political and is raising religious tensions for all involved, and just about anyone else living in the area. Buddy (Jude Hill) is a young boy living with his middle-class family, and the city that they love is under attack. He and his family must navigate the clamorous streets and hope to survive, but the divide taking place around them threatens to consume them.
The acclaimed Kenneth Branagh is back in action as writer and director of Belfast. He’s directed films such as Henry V and Thor, but he’s never directed anything quite like this. Similar in tone to what he does best–renditions of William Shakespeare’s plays–Branagh creates something beautifully theatrical, but brilliantly relevant. Branagh has run the gamut of films in terms of writing, acting, and directing–and this is one of his best to date.
During the film’s introduction viewers are exposed to vibrant colors, and the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of modern-day Belfast. Though, those visuals are quickly abandoned, and the beautiful imagery quickly transitions, flawlessly, to black and white and the streets of the simple 1960’s. It’s at this moment, less than five minutes into the film, that viewers know they are in for a treat; they know that the gorgeous visuals, the technical prowess, and flawless fluidity of the film will remain so for the remainder of Belfast. Those viewers get just this, and not a minute goes by that things are done wonderfully well.
Hill is a little stud. He so beautifully brings to life the young, charming, and charismatic Buddy. He reminds me of the first time I saw Jojo Rabbit, with its similarly wonderful Roman Griffin Davis. Hill is simply adorable, and, honestly, that would be enough to allow him to appeal to viewers, but he possesses immense talent as well. What’s most impressive aren’t the words that pour from his lips, but the control that he has of his facial expressions. The quiver of his lifts, flaring of his nostrils, or his ability to make the veins in his forehead pop allow his emotions and Buddy’s thoughts and feelings come to life throughout Belfast. Each and every scene in which he is present, he instantly becomes the focus for anyone watching, as he absolutely steals every moment for himself like it were a Turkish Delight. He, at just eleven years old, makes everyone around him, and Belfast, better.
Branagh and Director of Photography Hanz Zambarloukos make the decision early on to include many close-up shots. Rarely do viewers get establishing shots, or even long shots–and the majority of the time viewers are taken up close and personal to examine the intimate facial features of each and every one of the characters. Things are much more intimate, and that’s a good thing–but this also means that each of the actors are tasked with being perfect throughout the course of Belfast, and they are. The aforementioned Hill is incredible, and Caitriona Balfe (who plays his mother, Ma) is just as amazing. She, too, has this robot-like control of her facial features and expressions. The decision to film most of Belfast using close ups, rather than giving viewers more of the surroundings, pays off, as it is inviting, and it allows viewers to feel a grand connection to the characters and the story as a whole.
Speaking of the story, it’s disappointing to say that this is the least interesting aspect of Belfast. Here and there viewers get subtle comedy, harrowing visuals, and something they feel that they can latch onto–but the majority of Belfast’s narrative isn’t all too appealing. I need a more riveting story, or a deeper dive into the turmoil that haunted the Belfast city streets in the 1960’s, but that never comes. Belfast dabbles in this every now and again, and it plays a role in the overall story, lingers backstage too long, waiting entirely too long to step forward into the spotlight. It remains hidden when it could have been the star of the show–and that’s disheartening.
Literarily Belfast doesn’t measure up to some of the other nominees for Best Picture, but cinematically, it’s certainly one of the best of the year. The attention to detail present in this film is absurd, and between Branagh and Zambarloukos everything comes together perfectly in this sense. Belfast is difficult, because it pulls viewers in both directions. On one hand viewers see all that Branagh and his cast and crew put into the visually astounding film, but narratively it just doesn’t live up to the hype. I understand why people love this film, as there truly is so much to love, but I wanted more from this story, and more never came.
Written & Directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Starring Jude Hill, Lewis McAskie, Caitriona Balfe, Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench, Ciarán Hinds, Lara McDonnell, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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