Belfast: Movie Review (No Spoilers)



By Michael Momper

 

Here we have, I hope, a serious Oscar contender for 2021 Best Picture.


Belfast, Kenneth Branagh’s love letter to his hometown and formative years, paints a striking portrait even in black and white. It’s full of life, vibrant, energetic. It is beautiful and imbued with a boyish sense of wonder, seen through the eyes of marvelous child actor Jude Hill.


This movie’s biggest asset is its establishment of time period and place. The streets of Belfast are alive with the play of children and the labor of the blue-collar working class. Brick buildings line the streets that are peppered with old cars, wooden outhouses and garbage cans. Blanketing this scene is a gray, seemingly damp sky. Somehow, this all looks beautiful. The viewer is sucked into the nostalgic charm that Branagh portrays- everything is so wonderfully lit, with noir shadowplay throughout. You can almost swear that the sunlight pouring in through the windows and cracks in doors is giving off a golden hue. The sound design is immersive, crackling with life and the ebbs and flows of Mother Nature. Admittedly, one of my favorite touches was the soundtrack to go along with this. Most of the songs are from Van Morrison, a Belfast native and living legend. His soulful energy gives this movie an extra dash of charm.


As we see the town through little Buddy’s eyes, we are also reminded of why we love movies. Consistently, the strife that his family experiences is temporarily relieved by the wisdom and wonders of Old Hollywood. His eyes light up as he witnesses these classics, and he is completely enthralled. I couldn’t help but feel the same way, and remember a similar time of innocence.


The pacing and tone of this movie are deftly balanced. It is truly masterful considering how easily a movie like this could go off the rails into over-sentimentalizing a time and place. Somehow, Branagh’s script avoids all the schmaltz and overly sweet nostalgia. It is honest, touching, and real. There is an excellent blend of comedy, drama, and heartwarming family interaction. With this tone comes a real Mayberry-style feeling, an abundantly intimate setting that comforts with its sense of neighborliness and moral fortitude. The closeness is accented by the wonderful directorial choices, with plenty of close portrait shots and symmetrical views of the family lounging together, shooting the breeze over tea and coffee. 


This movie is a complete package. The acting is terrific, the setting inviting, and the script gleefully welcomes one and all. I’m excited to see more of Branagh’s work, and I am happy to be able to recommend such a wonderful movie for families around Christmastime.


Rating: 95/100

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