Kenneth Branagh’s Oscar Nominated “Belfast” is a visual feast. Branagh uses the film to tell a personal story. Filmed on location, the plot revolves around a nine-year-old boy and his family living amidst the conflicts in Northern Ireland. It takes place in 1969 at the start of The Troubles; a three-decade long conflict that’s simplified as Protestant loyalists versus the Catholic minority bringing about the IRA. But this isn’t a war picture. Instead, the focus is set on the innocent people living amidst the bloodshed and brutality around them.
From the onset, we can see Branagh’s pride in showcasing his hometown. The opening shots of Belfast reveal its stunning beauty. Modern skyscrapers share space with historic castles. Cosmopolitan streets are layered with ancient statues. Seagulls flock around the docks, with boats and ships of every denomination floating in the harbor. Belfast looks awesome and it’s challenging to imagine tanks and militants rolling through the cobblestoned streets a mere fifty years ago.
The cast is composed of Irish actors most of us may be unfamiliar with.
This is one aspect that is vital in projecting the realism. Jude Hill stars as Buddy. Taking in the turbulence of The Troubles through the optimistic eyes of a child is a special feat. Hill does a fantastic job bringing the youthful innocence to the story. Buddy has the typical issues of a child. He’s not concerned with conflict or newly forming street gangs. He only wants to do well in school and please his working class parents. You won’t expect such a broad range of emotions from a very young talent.
Caitríona Balfe and Jamie Dornan play Buddy’s parents. Both do an excellent job as the nameless Ma and Pa. Ma is protective of her family as any maternal figure would be. Pa works too hard, pays too much in taxes, and wants to escape from Ireland. Pa and Buddy have great father/son interactions as the elder tries to explain the inexplicable that surrounds them. “There is no our-side and their-side in our street.” He calmly explains with an air of sadness. “Well, there didn’t used to be anyway.”
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Buddy’s grandparents are played by veteran stars Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds. Each delivers flawlessly, and in a limited time on screen, we get a perfect picture of their history. I’m partial to a movie’s bad guy, and as such my favorite character is Billy Clanton, played by Colin Morgan. Clanton is a local criminal attempting to lure Buddy’s father into a life of violence. While only in a handful of scenes, Colin Morgan is able to effortlessly embody this type of complex villain. “You’re with us or you’re against us. The clocks ticking.” He threatens Pa in the hours before a violent showdown.
Branagh chose to shoot the film in black and white and the decision was brilliant.
Like “Schindler’s List,” the black and white imagery and scenes bring a further sense of history and realism to every interaction. There’s an incredible attention to detail with every shot. Framing of characters becomes important as we witness the helplessness of the situation.
These are innocent people that love their city, family, and heritage. Their simple lives are continuing amidst the chaos out on their streets. Branagh knows how to tell a story and how to shoot one.
“Belfast” is not a movie. It’s a film. Most Best Picture nominees have a minimum running time of four hours. This one clocks in at a perfect 97 minutes. There are no wasted frames or lines. It’s dialogue heavy and while there are moments of armed conflict, if you are looking for a lot of bombs and bullets you won’t find it here. I recommend giving it a watch.
“Belfast” is currently available for streaming.
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