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6

JLuis_001Dec 2, 2021

Belfast is an idyllic idealization of a bygone era, taking us back in time in a way that looks quite fine. So far, so good.

Everything looks great, but this is a tale in which Kenneth Branagh seems to have fallen too much in love withBelfast is an idyllic idealization of a bygone era, taking us back in time in a way that looks quite fine. So far, so good.

Everything looks great, but this is a tale in which Kenneth Branagh seems to have fallen too much in love with Alfonso Cuarón's ''Roma'', and also falls into clichés that turn his well-crafted film, and personal story, into a flat adventure, that lacks dramatic momentum and gets a bit incoherent at times.

Not that it doesn't have more than one compelling narrative component, but none of them propels Belfast far enough to create a lasting impression.

It all looks awesome, but like Cuarón's ''Roma'', there's nothing profound behind the façade.… Expand

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5

MattyIce34Nov 12, 2021

I appreciated the performances, but the direction and story are pretty inconsistent. Would be surprised to see this genuinely competes for Best Picture…

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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5

moviemitch96Nov 12, 2021

Focuses on a young boy coming of age in 1960s Ireland with his family. Filmed in black and white and directed by Kenneth Branagh, this is a semi-autobiographical film based off his upbringing. And while it most certainly comes off as quite aFocuses on a young boy coming of age in 1960s Ireland with his family. Filmed in black and white and directed by Kenneth Branagh, this is a semi-autobiographical film based off his upbringing. And while it most certainly comes off as quite a love letter to the city he grew up in, none of it feels wholly remarkable or original, and despite only clocking in at a little over an hour and a half, it still manages to feel drawn out. Really, the best way I can describe this film is that it feels like an Irish 'Roma'. It just felt rather derivative for my liking. Granted, the film's not without its charming moments, and the cast (particularly Caitriona Balfe and Dame Judi Dench) all give great performances, but none of that's quite enough to overcome a rather pedestrian, forcibly sentimental, and straightforward-feeling film that basically just felt like nothing more than Kenneth Branagh's 'Roma'.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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8

SamimacedoNov 21, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. É um filme goatoso de assistir, embora lento em algumas partes, você se sente parte da família.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

Rebecca31Jan 31, 2022

A semi-autobiographical account from Kenneth Branagh, Belfast really is as good as you've heard. I will not be surprised if this clears up at awards season and it deserves every one of them.

Buddy (Jude Hill) is a young boy living in BelfastA semi-autobiographical account from Kenneth Branagh, Belfast really is as good as you've heard. I will not be surprised if this clears up at awards season and it deserves every one of them.

Buddy (Jude Hill) is a young boy living in Belfast in the late 1960s with his brother Will (Lewis McAskie) and their mother played by Caitriona Balfe. Their father played by Jamie Dornan travels overseas to work and is often away for long periods of time. Buddy is preoccupied with the normal problems of an 11-year-old all while trying to make sense of the violence happening around him during a hugely turbulent time in Belfast. Similarly to how Jojo Rabbit handled the trauma of war from a child's perspective, Belfast finds the balance between light-hearted humour and tragedy. It's funny and highly emotional. If you're the type to cry easily at movies then you may need to get the tissues ready.

Jude Hill is the shining star in Belfast, you can't help but love him, he's absolutely wonderful. Stand out performances also include Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench and Ciáran Hinds. Director Kenneth Branagh certainly knew what he was doing when he gathered the cast for Belfast. Everyone is absolutely brilliant it's easy to see how this could do very well in awards season, even Jamie Dornan who can almost be forgiven for that horrendous Irish accent in Wild Mountain Thyme. Beautifully directed in black and white with the use of colour where appropriate. I loved the references to older movies and the excitement in Buddy's face during his cinema trips. It perfectly captures the pure magic of cinema and the sense of losing yourself in a movie by completely shutting out the world around you no matter how bad things seem. Highly recommended for everyone, Belfast is not to be missed.… Expand

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6

MarkHReviewsDec 2, 2021

“Belfast,” the new film by writer/director Kenneth Branagh (who starred in the “Wallander” TV series, various Shakespeare productions on stage and screen), is a love letter to his childhood home filmed in black-and-white. The film is set in“Belfast,” the new film by writer/director Kenneth Branagh (who starred in the “Wallander” TV series, various Shakespeare productions on stage and screen), is a love letter to his childhood home filmed in black-and-white. The film is set in 1969 in the midst of the Troubles between Catholics and Protestants in Belfast. But for eight-year-old Buddy, armed conflict is a secondary backdrop to much more important matters: swooning over the smartest girl in his class, watching US-made Westerns, going to the cinema. Armed with a cardboard sword and a trash can shield in the opening scene, Buddy frolics in his mixed Protestant-Catholic neighborhood where everybody knows, and takes care of, everybody else.

Branagh’s consistent use of Buddy’s point of view is the film’s greatest strength and also its weakness. The film is thoughtful, sweet and earnest. But this consistent use of a child’s perspective blurs and blunts the jolting realities surrounding Buddy, who is insulated by his watchful parents and nurturing neighborhood. The storyline is slight. It centers on a series of seemingly random remembrances by Branagh about his childhood. (In case anyone wonders whether Buddy is Branagh, there’s a brief scene of Buddy reading a “Thor” comic book. Branagh directed the film by the same name in 2011.) The only creative tension is whether the family will join Pa in England, where he is employed on a construction project. (Branagh’s father was a plumber and carpenter.) Even so, there’s plenty of material to celebrate a love of family, to seed the suspicion that there’s a much larger world out there and to experience the sad wistfulness of loss.

Despite the flimsiness of the storyline, several elements make this film a must-see. First, Branagh has assembled an amazing ensemble of actors. Judi Dench (one Oscar, 67 total awards, 179 award nominations) and Ciaran Hinds (a veteran character actor and Belfast native) are excellent as Buddy’s grandparents. Caitriona Balfe (“Outlander’) and Jamie Dornan (apparently used to being portrayed in shades of gray) are stellar as Ma and Pa. In his first feature film, nine-year-old Jude Hill (Buddy) is simply amazing. His energy, enthusiasm and wide-eyed innocence will totally capture any moviegoer with a soul. Showing his nascent dramatic range, Hill convincingly inhabits the role of an eight-year-old.

Second, Belfast native Van Morrison provides the dramatic, energetic score. The soundtrack blends familiar tunes with striking new songs that open and close the film. Throughout, Morrison provides an ideal texture for this piece. Finally, the cinematography of Haris Zambarloukos (“Death on the Nile,” “Locke”), who seems to revel in stark nighttime imagery, further elevates this film.

The epigram at the end of the film reads “For those who stayed. For those who left. And for all the ones who were lost.” It’s an excellent summation of Branagh’s desire to be all-inclusive in his nostalgic tribute to an earlier, simpler time – that actually wasn’t.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

HerickDienerDec 4, 2021

Há quem diga que todo diretor tem um filme pessoal e autobiográfico durante sua carreira, mas eu acredito que, quando não há muito o que dizer, você realmente não precisa fazer um.

E aqui temos um exemplo do porquê... "Belfast" éHá quem diga que todo diretor tem um filme pessoal e autobiográfico durante sua carreira, mas eu acredito que, quando não há muito o que dizer, você realmente não precisa fazer um.

E aqui temos um exemplo do porquê... "Belfast" é superficial, caricato e raso, especialmente para um filme que é descrito como pessoal e íntimo pelo seu diretor, Kenneth Branagh.

Boa parte do lado positivo de "Belfast" está em seu elenco, e ele inclui a sempre lendária Judi Dench, presente no melhor diálogo do longa, e o protagonista Jude Hill em uma estreia incrível, na qual literalmente carrega o filme em suas pequenas costas, principalmente quando o roteiro puxa para o humor.

Mas não há muito o que dizer durante os seus 97 minutos de duração, mesmo que muita coisa esteja acontecendo na tela - e isso inclui explosões, furtos e morte -, você não se apega de verdade à narrativa, ainda que dê um sorriso de canto de boca aqui ou ali.

Só tirem a Judi Dench de casa para bons filmes, por favor.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

benjanzenNov 25, 2021

The love and care that was put into Belfast is evident. A personal and heartwarming story from Kenneth Branagh that captures childlike wonder during challenging times. Beautifully shot and performed, but I can't say it didn't feel fairlyThe love and care that was put into Belfast is evident. A personal and heartwarming story from Kenneth Branagh that captures childlike wonder during challenging times. Beautifully shot and performed, but I can't say it didn't feel fairly bland and shallow overall. It lacked the depth and intrigue needed in order for it to stand out or resonate.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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0

SamiIsidorioDec 30, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kenneth toma vergonha na cara, que filme raso e bait oscar é esse? Jesus cristo… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

DukeCumberjackNov 12, 2021

Has some touching moments but for a story centered around violent sectarian conflict, this film has essentially no bite to it at all. Maybe wait for it to come to streaming if you want some warm fuzzies one night. Overall pretty forgettableHas some touching moments but for a story centered around violent sectarian conflict, this film has essentially no bite to it at all. Maybe wait for it to come to streaming if you want some warm fuzzies one night. Overall pretty forgettable with an almost disrespectful amount of Oscar-bait shoved in. Kid was pretty good though.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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0

KotareNov 29, 2021

A pastiche of better films packaged in monochrome to try to sell it as art. Treacle.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

rodsNov 14, 2021

what's not to like about this film... that it's not political enough.... really bad reason... it's great...

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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0

DuskybatfishgrlNov 20, 2021

This film suffocates traumatic events in history with a wistful, safe icing of nostalgia. Made for those who want to escape and not bother thinking

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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9

inmhNov 27, 2021

I thought this was a great balance between history and personal narrative, honestly. You're learning about Belfast during the Troubles, but you're also seeing a beautiful and very realistic (imo) depiction of a family living their lives.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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1

NadineElizabethNov 19, 2021

I found this such a trite film. Every trick in the book was used to make the audience love it. The lovely moments and there were a few, were completely quashed by its desperate need to please - the Van Morrison songs were the worst offenders.I found this such a trite film. Every trick in the book was used to make the audience love it. The lovely moments and there were a few, were completely quashed by its desperate need to please - the Van Morrison songs were the worst offenders. Ciaran Hinds though was marvellous!… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

ExceladeogunDec 7, 2021

Belfast

The cast was phenomenal, and newcomer Jude hill gave a splendid performance that he was the one submitted for the best actor category for the Oscars from the cast while others get supporting noms (for a young boy of 11, that's sure aBelfast

The cast was phenomenal, and newcomer Jude hill gave a splendid performance that he was the one submitted for the best actor category for the Oscars from the cast while others get supporting noms (for a young boy of 11, that's sure a great feat).

Belfast was all the right doses of pathos, warmth, and sweet comedy all circled in trepidation, unrest and dilemma.

The alternation between black & white and colour was perfectly blended, with a thoroughgoing approach that helped heighten or aid intimacy, depending on the scenes. The score was flawless.

Easily one of the best movies of the year, and deserving of all the awards it's garnered so far.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

JacobinaDasousaNov 28, 2021

Belfast felt like a big, snuggly hug. Has been a long while since we've had the pleasure of experiencing such an emotionally resonant movie going experience. You have a winner here Kenneth Branagh!

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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0

aceshop3Nov 13, 2021

It's a pretty balloon. Enjoyable enough but schmaltzy and over-sentimental—completely empty. Why did I watch this?

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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8

Brent_MarchantNov 24, 2021

While writer-director Kenneth Branagh’s latest offering might not always feel as fully fleshed out as it could have been, for what’s here, this semi-autobiographical memoir about the filmmaker’s challenged upbringing in this troubled NorthernWhile writer-director Kenneth Branagh’s latest offering might not always feel as fully fleshed out as it could have been, for what’s here, this semi-autobiographical memoir about the filmmaker’s challenged upbringing in this troubled Northern Ireland city hits all of the right notes and does so in a thoughtful, entertaining, well-balanced manner. The film, which comes across like a fusion of director John Boorman’s “Hope and Glory” (1987) and the nostalgic TV series The Wonder Years, tells the story of a sprightly young lad attempting to grow up as normally as possible in the face of a senseless religious-based civil war that began in 1969, one in which a once-peaceful, harmonious working class community is torn apart by forces that have no business intruding on the lives of good people trying to lead productive and cheerful lives. Told from the perspective of its youthful protagonist, “Belfast” plumbs material that many viewers can easily relate to – family dynamics, first loves, the joy of community and the endearment of adoring grandparents. Admittedly, there are times when viewers are left somewhat wanting for a little more dramatic depth, but the finely penned screenplay nevertheless delivers more than its share of emotionally touching moments and gentle humor, as well as evenly paced, well-developed treatment of its various story threads, all of which are suitably wrapped up by film’s end. All of this is beautifully brought to life by the picture’s superb black-and-white cinematography, its lively and fitting Van Morrison soundtrack, its skillful, sensitive direction, and the excellent performances of its fine ensemble cast, particularly newcomer Jude Hill, Irish actress Caitríona Balfe, and veterans Judi Dench and Ciarán Hinds. It may be tempting to label this a feel-good movie, but that’s too glib considering the backdrop under which the story takes place, one that gives the picture an edge and serves as a constant reminder of what can lurk in the underbelly of our reality no matter how otherwise pleasant our existence may seem.… Expand

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6

RalfbergsJun 17, 2022

It was ok movie, but I think it didn't show enough also about the story what was happening around. It is sort of told in the way of the boy's eyes, not seeing why or what is really goin on. It's ok movie, but for me missed something

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10

PanchogulMar 21, 2022

Belfast te ofrece un viaje de sinceridad, sentimientos y el reencuentro con nuestras emociones, y como tal cumple perfectamente de la mano de un apasionado niño que nos enseña su entorno y vida familiar de manera enternecedora, no cabe dudaBelfast te ofrece un viaje de sinceridad, sentimientos y el reencuentro con nuestras emociones, y como tal cumple perfectamente de la mano de un apasionado niño que nos enseña su entorno y vida familiar de manera enternecedora, no cabe duda que es una de las mejores películas del pasado 2021.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

LisaLR1Nov 21, 2021

BELFAST triumphs as heartwarming story of family love & survival in tumultuous times of religious strife between Protestants & Catholics in 1969 Northern Ireland. The film is an autobio written & directed by actor Kenneth Branagh based on hisBELFAST triumphs as heartwarming story of family love & survival in tumultuous times of religious strife between Protestants & Catholics in 1969 Northern Ireland. The film is an autobio written & directed by actor Kenneth Branagh based on his own early childhood in Belfast. The movie is told from the point-of-view of 9 year old Buddy, played by newcomer Jude Hill, whose luminous performance & angelic face steals the film. Equally excellent are his Pa & Ma, actors Jamie Dornan & Caitríona Balfe & his grandparents, the exquisite Dame Judi Dench & the marvelous Ciarán Hinds. Through Buddy, the audience watches as the family manages to survive their Belfast neighborhood through religious clashes & violence, their own financial struggles, ultimately leading them to move to London & start a new life. BELFAST is beautifully shot, primarily in black-and-white, by long-time Branagh collaborator, cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos, featuring strong production design by Jim Clay.… Expand

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9

jaredwallace91Nov 19, 2021

A very well done soon on a coming-of-age story that is both a dedication and reflection to the time period it is set.

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7

Stream2BigScreeNov 21, 2021

Well, Streamers, we have a review of another black and white film for you this week - Kenneth Branagh's Belfast. The release of Belfast this month was well-positioned for both awards buzz as well as family entertainment. Let's see how it doesWell, Streamers, we have a review of another black and white film for you this week - Kenneth Branagh's Belfast. The release of Belfast this month was well-positioned for both awards buzz as well as family entertainment. Let's see how it does on both fronts.

Kenneth Branagh wrote and directed Belfast drawing from his childhood memories of growing up in Northern Ireland. The film centers on Buddy (Jude Hill), a precocious kid, growing up in Belfast in the midst of growing turmoil between Protestants and Catholics. Buddy's family is entrapped by the danger on their street and are tested by their financial hardships. Buddy's Ma (Caitriona Balfe) holds down the fort and tries to protect Buddy and his brother while Buddy's Pa (Jamie Dornan) is working in England and only returns home every two weeks. Buddy's grandparents also have a prominent role in the film. As tensions grow between the warring factions, Buddy's family has to make a decision about whether to stay in the only home he's ever known or whether to escape to a safer situation.

The storyline of Belfast is simple but effective. Branagh focuses on the care and affection these family members have for each other and their desperate need to protect each other. The film uses its black and white cinematography to evoke that feeling of memory and the music throughout mimics the emotions that permeate the tensions in the movie. Maybe I'm too ignorant, but I did not understand what the conflict was between the Protestants and Catholics and why it was so violent in Belfast at the time. Buddy must not either since the film is told from his perspective and we don't get much explanation about that. Nevertheless, the coming-of-age drama hits the marks one would expect and Branagh clearly has an emotional connection to the material that is conveyed in each frame.

My biggest issue with Belfast is Jude Hill. He's just alright. Sometimes child actors suffer trying to carry these types of films. Roman Griffin Davis did a great job anchoring Jojo Rabbit. Alan Kim was pretty good in Minari. Remember Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense! Jude Hill is no Haley Joel. Sorry, Buddy. He doesn't ruin the movie, but either another actor needed to be cast or the focus should have been more on the adults. Both Caitriona Balfe and Jamie Dornan give good performances that add emotional weight to the film. You get more of the stakes from Balfe and Dornan than from Hill. Maybe that's asking too much of the kid.

Ultimately, I understand why Belfast is an Oscar hopeful. It has a sentimental story that plays on the emotions with good performances from the adult cast. Despite my reservations about Jude Hill’s performance, the otherwise simple story hits the marks of this kind of drama. It’s a good movie, but I wouldn’t call it any better than these other coming-of-age family dramas. Get a bowl of popcorn for a Sunday matinee since it’s only in theaters.… Expand

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6

MetacriticOnurFeb 8, 2022

admirable
[ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

adjective
worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.

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10

AvuvuDennisNov 27, 2021

A serious contender for Film of The Year. Branagh's Belfast is a deeply affecting, expertly crafted film that is simply unforgettable. Jude Hill is going to be a huge star.

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10

DinesVermataNov 28, 2021

Not since Slumdog Millionaire has a film enraptured me like this. A beautiful Screenplay coupled with Kenneth Branagh's mastery at Directing, Belfast is absolutely one of the Best films to come out of the UK.

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10

JunoCalaminoNov 28, 2021

Full of heart and expertly crafted, Belfast is the film we need right now. Everything from the wonderful Screenplay, to the amazing performances from the cast makes for a very special movie watching experience.

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5

bertobellamyMar 13, 2022

Your regular safe film that probably will win big at the Oscars. Kenneth Branagh invites us to take a trip through memory lane with 'Belfast,' a semi-autobiographical account of his childhood in the city of the same name during the beginningYour regular safe film that probably will win big at the Oscars. Kenneth Branagh invites us to take a trip through memory lane with 'Belfast,' a semi-autobiographical account of his childhood in the city of the same name during the beginning of The Troubles. Of course, this is a very personal exercise in which Branagh capitalizes nostalgia with a tale about family and coming of age. But unlike 'Roma,' 'Licorice Pizza' and 'The Hand of God,' the result is a bland film that sure has good acting and tender moments but fails at making you feel the tumultuous time in which the story is set. The best part: Ciarán Hinds' Pa, the only character that resonated with me.… Expand