Guest reviewer Chris Ward has a look at Belfast, nominated for six Oscars.
Kenneth Branagh writes and directs this deeply personal film based on his own childhood as a young 9 year old living in Belfast during the troubles, in what is such a heartwarming film. Full of such brilliant humour and performances that were fantastic, this film is easily one of the best of the year.
The stand out is the introduction and performance of young Jude Hill. He was such a loveable young guy who was hilarious throughout. For someone so young it felt so natural to him. It didn’t feel like a performance, it felt like watching a wee boy sat right in the middle of his family. Seriously impressive stuff for such a wee guy. The scene where he is moved seats in class and where he steals the washing up powder were the highlights for me. Just hilarious from him.
That’s what hooked me most about this film. It felt completely relatable. Set in an environment during a time that not many people could relate to living in, it focuses on the relationships between each member of the family. The strength of the script and the relationship with the grandparents in particular had me feeling all warm. This feels like it could be my family, your family, or any family, but gives us a great view of Kenneth Branagh’s family, and how that strong family and his love of movies are a way of escaping his environment, and his problems. Sharing that love with his grandparents was beautiful to watch.
Will this film win big at at The Oscars? Who knows. I just know I loved it and it gave me that glowing feeling inside. That’s what all good films should do, and well, if my Wee Gran liked it then it must be impressive.
Chris Ward is just a Scottish guy who loves film and TV and talking about what he’s watching, find more on instagram at whatwewatchingtonight.