BELFAST

UK 2021, 97 min Director Kenneth Branagh

Belfast is beautiful work: From the outset, Branagh draws us right into the heart and soul of a city and its people with an immediacy that captures the moment. A young boy grows up amidst the 1960s’ Troubles in a working-class family in a place where conflict and whimsy, wisdom and passion daily inform their lives. Charming newcomer Jude Hill delights in the central role of Buddy, with warmly winning turns from Caitríona Balfe and Jamie Dornan as his parents, and Judi Dench and Ciarán Hinds as his grandparents, their performances perfectly complemented by the film’s soulful Van Morrison-infused soundtrack and stylish black-and-white cinematography. Viewing a time of conflict with such love and humanity is something rare: Perhaps it takes a native sensibility to do that. As Branagh once said of himself, “I don’t think you can take Belfast out of the boy,” and here you have it: That compassionate eye on his hometown, coupled with his extraordinary artistry, makes for compelling cinema. –Lily Buchanan