It’s 1969 and young Buddy (Jude Hill) lives in Belfast on a road populated by Catholics and Protestants without a care in the world. That is until social unrest arises and riots and the army interrupt his happy life. 

Belfast appears to be a special semi-autobiographical film for writer/director Kenneth Branagh. Buddy is enthralled by cinema and theatre whilst he is protected by his extended family from the true horrors of what is happening around him. The story is told with deep affection and the characters of Ma (Caitriona Balfe), Pa (Jamie Dornan), Granny (Judi Dench) and Pop (Ciaran Hinds) are lovingly brought to life. 

The film covers difficult subject matter from a child’s eye. So whilst the civil unrest is in the background Buddy is more interested in getting a better score in his maths test so that he can sit next to the pretty girl in his class and watching movies at the cinema with his family. It also manages to give some really insightful explanations as to why inclusiveness is important and that if you are kind and fair you should be welcome regardless of race or religion. 

The focus also gives equal time to Buddy’s family. His Ma protects him and his brother whilst his Pa is away in England earning money to try and get them out from debt. The separation is causing a strain on their marriage but their love for each other and their children keeps them together. Whilst his grandparents deliver sage advice to Buddy, as all good grandparents do to grandchildren who believe they know best. 

On that note it is worth saying the cast are universally brilliant. Jude Hill is a real find as a child star, Judi Dench has not been this good for some time, Caitriona Balfe is radiant and Jamie Dornan and Ciaran Hinds snaffle up the best lines and scenes. 

The photography is also fantastic. Shot in crisp black and white and filled with some lovely single camera shots with multiple people coming in and out of focus as the conversation requires. There are also some lovely musical interludes with a soundtrack from Van Morrison and a stand out scene featuring “Everlasting Love”. 

Belfast is funny, romantic and poignant and a love letter to a community broken apart.