When I first caught a glimpse of the trailer for this new Belfast movie I was instantly intrigued. Starring Jamie Dornan and Judi Dench, this mainly black and white film is an homage to the city in which Kenneth Branagh grew up. Set in the tragic time of 1969, when hostilities in Northern Ireland were heightened, the movie examined a period of tension, tight families and endurance.
The first person who struck me in this was the mother of the family, played by Caitriona Balfe (an actress who was new to me). She was excellent in a role where she had to hold a family together while her husband was regularly away in England working as a joiner. Her moments of argument and sweet scenes with Jamie were contrasting and skilfully acted. Jamie was brilliant as the father who needed to earn for his household but also ensure they were safe in a neighbourhood rocked by the violent Belfast riots. The two of them were full rounded characters.
Although I expected this film to be very serious and upsetting it was also very heart-warming. Judi Dench had some very funny lines that reminded me of my own nan. Watching her grandson worry about impressing a girl in his class was amusing. In those days, a child would do a maths test and the top scorer would sit closest to the teacher in seat one. The lowest scorer would be at the back. The girl he admired was in seat two and he longed to be next to her.
The director -Kenneth Branagh- moved to England from Belfast as a boy and so there was some reflection on his own youth in this fascinating picture. The soundtrack was filled with nostalgia and I could not stop thinking about the TV test card used. When I was young, TV stations closed down at night and that particular test card would be shown for hours on end. Some of the phrases used also brought back memories, such as the term ‘scotch mist.’ My mum used to always say that when talking about something expensive. ‘What do you think I’m going to pay with, scotch mist?’ was coined a lot.
I totally recommend going to the cinema to see ‘Belfast Movie’ and taking in the drama. Set in a difficult situation, after riots had seen communities putting up barricades, this beautiful movie is intelligent, educational and sweet. I laughed lots and cried at the end. Be prepared for a whirlwind of emotions. If you would prefer a scarier movie, check out my Scream review.
Thank you for reading this Belfast movie review and please drop a comment below with your thoughts about this movie. Also, please consider following my blog for similar content about movies, books and the environment.
Sounds like a very moving and nostalgic film. I saw the trailer but I really want to see it now
You must go and watch this.
Thanks for sharing your review Jamie. I didnt even know about this movie. I adore Judi Dench, she looks just like my mum! I’ll definitely be giving this one a watch.
I’ve been desperate to watch this movie, I love anything that’s set back in time. It looks and sounds right up my street and after reading your review, I’m going to book tickets to see it asap! Thank you so much for sharing with us Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Yes you will love it.
Yes go watch it.
The film Belfast sounds interesting and good to watch. I shall check it out. Thank you for sharing.
I haven’t heard of this before. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I will have to look out for this!
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
I went to see it last week! I’m from Belfast so getting to watch it literally around the corner from where it was set made it all the more poignant. Good to see you enjoyed it too!
Aww yes that is cool.
This is really interesting. I’ve been undecided about whether to go and see this but it definitely sounds like it’d be worth it. Thanks for sharing.
Definitely.