Sometimes, when you are watching a movie, you know almost right away that what you are seeing is magical, that it is capturing all that is transformative about cinema. The film is going to be the sort of experience that will stick with you, that you will remember, and that you will want to return to over time. I knew that early on when watching Belfast. I can't remember laughing and crying as much as I did during Belfast. It's that sort of film. Magical.
Branagh has been one of my favourite film makers for a long time but he's been working as director for hire for most of the past decade to better or worse results. But Belfast is a true writer/director mini-masterpiece. We could get into all the ways the film is structurally amazing, from the techniques he uses to build his characters, tell his story, and evoke emotions. Belfast is a masterclass on all that. Gorgeously filmed it is the kind of movie you will be glad to see on the big screen with all its silver screen glory but it completely absorbing on a small screen as well. But really what makes Belfast so amazing is just how much it hits you in the feels, all the feels.
Belfast is joyous from start to finish. I pretty much had a silly grin on my face through the entire thing, even when I was tearing up. This is no pretentious art film. It is filled with more heart than most other films I've seen all year put together. The emotion is raw and real and loving. Despite dealing with heavy issues it isn't cynical at all. It is earnest and hopeful and grateful.
Belfast's cast is amazing. Sure you hear the names Judy Dench and Ciarán Hinds and expect top quality performances but both outshot even my highest expectations. Dornan and Balfe bring an honest, compelling portrait of love through difficult times that is infectious to watch and more romantic than most romantic comedies. And yes the young Jude Hill is everything they are saying about him. He is magnetic on screen and carries the entire film on his tiny shoulders. You will just want to watch him come to life on the big screen.
Belfast is all of the things. It is the real deal. It is why we love cinema. It is magic.
Belfast
Starring: Jude Hill, Jamie Dornan, Judy Dench, Ciarán Hinds, Caitríona Balfe
Writer/Director: Kenneth Branagh
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