Belfast

Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh is this semi autobiographical story set in his Belfast childhood. Buddy (Jude Hill) is a 9 year old, whose life is changed when a group storm down his street, attacking the homes of his Catholic neighbours at what is the beginning of the “troubles”. But this is just a backdrop to the story we follow and care about, Buddy’s life. How he sees his Ma (Caitriona Balfe) and Pa (Jamie Dornan) deal with Pa’s need to work away from home, financial worries and concerns for him and his brother (Lewis McKaskie) growing up in an unstable and dangerous Belfast.

Belfast is a brilliant piece of storytelling, it may well drift into rose tinted territory occasionally, but that’s a minor quibble over what is a fabulous film.

Its real strength is the juxtaposition of the seeming smallness of Buddy’s story against the scale of the troubles. It mostly uses the troubles as background noise, just another part of life among the things that are important to him. Growing up, his crush on a girl, his Granny (Judi Dench) and Pops (Ciaran Hinds), his family and friends.

The films charm lives in those details, its humanity and humour, set against the violence and the distrust embodied by Colin Morgan’s Billy Clanton. It’s how personal stories that are small in the bigger picture are so significant in the context of a family, something we can all relate too.

Beautifully shot in black and white, with occasional splashes of colour from those experiences that transport Buddy elsewhere, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a stage version of a Christmas Carol. A use of low angles show Buddy’s world and patient close ups add to the story telling.

The performances are as you’d expect in a Branagh film. But the star is 10 year old Jude Hill, bringing to life a cheeky kid, finding his way in a world that has changed overnight, but yet is still familiar, with a glorious charm.

Belfast is full of heart and humour. A seemingly small story that completely engages and commanfs your attention. Delivered by a cast who understand the power of understated performance. A brilliant film that’s warm and an absolute pleasure to share.