Review: Belfast

One of the best movies of the year. 

Belfast is about the story of an Irish family in the late 60's living in Belfast,going through turbulent times. A period of turbulence between the protestants and the Catholics. 

The story is told through the eyes of the youngest in the family, a nine year old buddy, who doesn't necessarily understands what's going on around him but wise enough to understand the shallowness of the whole affair and how much weight and stress it has put on his own parents and grandparents. While his father, working abroad, tries to get his family away to safety. Buddy and his mom is indifferent to the idea albeit for different reasons. 

The movie is a semi autobiographical narrative from Kenneth Branagh. How his life has been shaped by the childhood he had in the city he adores during the times of unrest. The theme is universal and you could relate to it no matter where you are from. Shot aesthetically in black and white, this nostalgic journey will take you through all the emotions through it's elegant narrative style, suitably picked Van Morrison soundtracks and irresistible performances from every single member of the cast, most notably by 

Jude Hill,Caitriona Balfe and Judi Dench, who plays buddy, ma and granny respectively. The rest of the cast including Jamie Dornan and Claran Hinds also gives one of their best performances of their careers. 

Belfast is probably the most sweet and harrowing movie of the year. A wee beautiful movie. You have to be an eejit to miss it.