Belfast

Belfast
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Belfast is writer-director Kenneth Branagh's captivating drama about a young boy growing up in the 1960s during the religious conflict in Northern Ireland (a time commonly referred to as "The Troubles"). Though there are moments of violence as Protestants and Catholics clash, the movie is also warm and tender, since much of it is seen through the eyes of innocent schoolboy Buddy (Jude Hill). Catholics are bullied out of their homes by intimidation and violence. Firebombs are thrown, cars are set alight, and windows are smashed. A mother and son are briefly held at gunpoint. Despite the danger, there's plenty of humor, particularly involving scenes with Buddy and his grandparents (Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds). But there's also sadness, with a beloved character dying from an unspecified illness, and Buddy's parents (Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe) having to decide whether to leave their home to start another life. Strong language is frequent but, apart from one use of "f----rs," doesn't get stronger than "a--hole" and "shite." Although the movie doesn't dive into the political and religious intricacies of Northern Ireland, it does a great job of highlighting the seriousness of the situation while remaining accessible to younger viewers.
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What's the Story?
In the 1960s, Buddy (Jude Hill) is a young boy living in BELFAST, when fighting between Northern Irish Protestants and Catholics is rife. With people being forced from their homes and violence occurring on his doorstep, Buddy and his family must decide whether to stay or leave the place they call home.
Is It Any Good?
Seen through the eyes of a young boy, this drama -- set in the late 1960s during the religious conflict in Northern Ireland -- manages to maintain a degree of innocence. There's a scene in Belfast, where Buddy -- played with such aplomb by Hill that it's difficult to believe this is his debut feature film role -- asks about the differences between Protestants and Catholics. In Buddy's mind, it seems crazy that his neighbors are being forced from their homes, simply for following another faith. Indeed, he's far more concerned with gaining the attention of a girl in his class. Of course, for the older characters, life's not so simple. Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe are excellent as Buddy's parents, who are left with the unenviable decision of whether to leave their home or stay and risk the safety of their two sons. And the scenes with Buddy's grandparents -- played by Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds -- pack the film's most emotional and amusing moments.
Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film has been lovingly crafted. Branagh grew up in Belfast, and it's not a stretch to imagine that he channeled much of his own childhood experiences into Buddy. This also gives the film a degree of authenticity, even if the political and religious complexities of "The Troubles" are left relatively untouched. This is, after all -- and unlike how the film is shot -- far from a black-and-white situation. Instead, Branagh focuses on the daily details of his characters' lives: the unpaid tax bill, the family trips to the movies. They all serve as a reminder that these were ordinary people living through extraordinary times, of which Branagh has managed to retell in a superb piece of filmmaking.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Belfast. Did the violent scenes help tell the story in an effective way? Was it shocking, or thrilling? Why? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
What did you know about "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland before you saw this movie? Has it encouraged you to find out more? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
Discuss the dilemma Buddy's parents faced. What would you have done in their situation: moved away, or stayed?
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Why do you think the filmmaker decided to shoot the movie in black and white? What effect did it have on the storytelling?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 12, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: December 2, 2021
- Cast: Caitriona Balfe, Ciaran Hinds, Jamie Dornan
- Director: Kenneth Branagh
- Studio: Focus Features
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: History
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Courage
- Run time: 97 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: some violence and strong language
- Awards: Academy Award, Golden Globe
- Last updated: July 27, 2022
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