Belfast Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kid in Belfast wants to bone a Catholic schoolgirl, but sectarian violence keeps interrupting his study schedule.

🍿 Belfast: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Buddy’s Belfast

The film opens in Belfast in August 1969, focusing on nine-year-old Buddy (Jude Hill). Buddy lives with his Ma (Caitríona Balfe), Pa (Jamie Dornan), older brother Will (Lewis McAskie), Granny (Judi Dench), and Pop (Ciarán Hinds) in a close-knit, working-class neighborhood where Protestants and Catholics live side-by-side. The initial scenes depict an idyllic childhood filled with street games and community.

The Troubles Erupt

This peace is shattered when Protestant loyalists stage a violent riot, attacking Catholic homes and businesses. Buddy witnesses the chaos firsthand, marking a stark turning point in his young life. The British Army arrives to quell the violence, and the community erects barricades to protect themselves, fundamentally altering the atmosphere of Buddy’s once-safe neighborhood.

Family Tensions and a Difficult Decision

As the conflict intensifies, Buddy’s family faces immense pressure. Pa, who works in England, struggles with tax debts and the increasing danger in Belfast. He considers emigrating to Australia or Canada for a better life. Ma is reluctant to leave their home and community. The film explores the emotional toll of this decision on each family member, especially Buddy, who doesn’t want to leave his grandparents and the girl he likes, Catherine.

Buddy’s Childhood Amidst Chaos

Despite the turmoil, Buddy tries to navigate his childhood. He develops feelings for Catherine (Olive Tennant), a Catholic classmate, and seeks advice from his Pop. He gets involved in minor mischief, including a failed attempt to steal sweets and a brief involvement with a looting gang, leading to consequences that highlight the pervasive impact of the Troubles on everyday life. These experiences shape his understanding of the world and the complex realities of his community.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Buddy (Jude Hill): A young boy experiencing the start of The Troubles in Belfast, trying to understand the conflict and navigate his changing world.
• Ma (Caitríona Balfe): Buddy’s mother, a strong and loving woman struggling to keep her family safe and together amidst the escalating violence.
• Pa (Jamie Dornan): Buddy’s father, a working man torn between providing for his family and staying true to his roots in Belfast.
• Granny (Judi Dench): Buddy’s wise and supportive grandmother, offering guidance and a sense of stability during the uncertain times.
• Pop (Ciarán Hinds): Buddy’s grandfather, a source of humor and wisdom, encouraging Buddy to pursue his dreams and relationships despite the surrounding conflict.
• Billy Clanton (Colin Morgan): A local criminal and sectarian rabble-rouser who attempts to involve Pa in his violent cause, representing the growing threat of extremism.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Pop: “Don’t get caught.” – Pop gives Buddy a small piece of advice before he attempts to steal something from the local sweet shop.
• Auntie Violet: “The Irish were born for leavin’, otherwise the rest of the world’d have no pubs.” – Said with a bit of humour and acceptance, acknowledging the historical trend of Irish emigration.
• Pa: “You can’t change where you come from, but you can change where you’re going.” – Pa gives Buddy a very important piece of advice to help him decide whether to stay in Belfast or leave.
• Granny: “Go. Go now. Don’t look back. I love you, son.” – Granny encourages Buddy’s parents to leave Belfast for a better future for their family.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,250,870
• Worldwide Gross: $49,158,709

💥 Belfast Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored ‘Belfast’! It felt like being wrapped in a warm hug while also getting a history lesson. The scenes with Granny and Pop were my favorite, their humor and love felt so real. I also found it hard to hold back the tears in the end, which is a must! The cinematography made the movie that much more appealing, and I felt like I was right there in Belfast with Buddy. A must-see!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in coming-of-age stories”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven narratives”
  • “Audiences seeking films about family and community”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence related to The Troubles”
  • “Mild profanity”
  • “Thematic elements related to political and religious conflict”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Branagh crafts a deeply personal story that avoids the usual tropes of historical dramas, focusing on the warmth and resilience of family amidst chaos. The black-and-white cinematography adds a timeless quality, while the performances, especially from Balfe and Hill, are exceptional, creating an emotionally resonant viewing experience.
• IndieWire: “Belfast is a sentimental but sincere portrait of childhood, deftly balancing the innocence of youth with the harsh realities of political conflict. Branagh’s direction is assured, and the film’s visual style, punctuated by bursts of color, enhances the emotional impact. It’s a film that lingers in the memory long after the credits roll.
• Variety: “Branagh’s semi-autobiographical tale is brought to life by a stellar cast, with Jude Hill delivering a breakout performance. The film’s exploration of family, love, and loss is both moving and thought-provoking. Though some may find it overly sentimental, ‘Belfast’ is a beautifully crafted tribute to a time and place.

Audience Reactions

The grandparents stole every scene they were in!: Viewers praised the film’s heartwarming portrayal of family and its ability to evoke strong emotions.

The soundtrack was absolutely perfect!: Audiences raved about the evocative use of Van Morrison’s music, which enhanced the film’s atmosphere.

Overall Consensus: A nostalgic and touching coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of political turmoil, ‘Belfast’ resonates with audiences through its heartfelt performances and evocative atmosphere.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 2022
2. BAFTA Award (Outstanding British Film)- 2022
3. Golden Globe (Best Screenplay)- 2022

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is heavily based on Kenneth Branagh’s own childhood experiences growing up in Belfast during the start of The Troubles.”
• “To prepare for their roles, Jude Hill (Buddy) spent time with Kenneth Branagh, who shared stories and details about his own childhood.”
• “The choice to primarily film in black and white was a deliberate artistic decision to evoke a sense of nostalgia and timelessness, reflecting how Branagh remembers his childhood.”

🖥️ How to Watch Belfast?

Belfast is available for streaming on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, where you can rent or purchase the film. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. As availability may vary by region, please confirm on your preferred platform.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Belfast, you might like these similar films:

• Hope and Glory (1987): Another semi-autobiographical film told through the eyes of a young boy during wartime, focusing on family life amidst conflict.
• Roma (2018): Both films are shot in black and white and offer a personal, nostalgic look at a director’s childhood, although in very different settings.
• Angela’s Ashes (1999): Depicts the impoverished childhood of Frank McCourt in Ireland, capturing the struggles and resilience of a family in difficult circumstances.
• Brooklyn (2015): Focuses on an Irish immigrant’s experience of leaving home and building a new life in America, highlighting the emotional challenges of emigration.

🛒 Belfast Related Products

• Belfast [Blu-ray]: Own a copy of this award winning film, available on Blu-ray with bonus features including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew. A perfect addition to any movie lover’s collection.
• The Belfast Cookery School: Traditional Irish Baking: Learn to bake classic Irish treats with recipes inspired by the film’s setting and characters. From soda bread to hearty stews, bring the taste of Belfast into your home with this charming cookbook.
• Lego Architecture: Belfast City Skyline Model Building Kit: Build a detailed replica of the Belfast skyline with this Lego set. A unique and challenging project for fans of architecture and history.
• Northern Ireland Travel Guide (Lonely Planet): Plan your own trip to Belfast and explore the rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland with this comprehensive travel guide. Includes detailed maps, insider tips, and recommendations for accommodations, dining, and attractions.

🎧 Soundtrack

Belfast features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Down to Joy” – performed by Van Morrison
• “Days Like This” – performed by Van Morrison
• “Bright Side of the Road” – performed by Van Morrison

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jamie Dornan Sings “Everlasting Love” at BELFAST LA Premiere!

Have you seen Jamie Dornan’s charming performance of “Everlasting Love” at the Belfast premiere? It’s a heartwarming moment that captures the celebratory spirit of the cast and crew. Don’t miss it!

60 Second Film School | Belfast’s Kenneth Branagh | Ep. 16

Curious about the significance of black and white in Belfast? Watch this interview with director Kenneth Branagh as he shares his filmmaking secrets and offers a unique perspective on the movie’s aesthetics.

Jamie Dornan & Caitríona Balfe Play “Never Have I Ever” | British Vogue

Looking for a fun and entertaining way to connect with the cast of Belfast? Check out this ‘Never Have I Ever’ game with Jamie Dornan and Caitríona Balfe, as they reveal their quirky crushes and embarrassing moments!

Jamie Dornan on Singing in New Movie Belfast, Shooting in Northern Ireland & Soccer Team for Dads

Interested in learning more about Jamie Dornan’s role in Belfast and how he prepared for those singing scenes? Sit back and enjoy this interview with Jimmy Kimmel, where he candidly shares his experiences.

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