THE FOLLOWING REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS OF THE DISCUSSED FILM. READERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
The memories we make can we be the most cinematic story to share.
PLOT
Belfast takes place in 1969 of the titular city in Northern Ireland. The story follows a working class Ulster Protestant family. A 9 year old boy named Buddy lives with his brother Will (Lewis McAskie), their Ma & Pa and their Granny & Pop. In August ‘69, riots have begun, caused by Protestant loyalists who attack Catholic homes and business. The residents in Buddy’s street would then set up a barricade to prevent further conflict. Nevertheless, the boy still goes about his life by going to school, seeing films with his family and sharing his inner thoughts with his grandparents. He also develops a crush on his classmate Catherine (Olive Tennant), which eventually sparks a friendship. Local criminal Billy Clanton (Colin Morgan) does confront Pa to join his cause, but whenever he refuses, he would approach Buddy. As the family struggles to pay off debt, Pa suggests moving out of Belfast. Ma is distressed of the idea at first, but considers it when the conflict worsens and her husband is offered a promotion and housing deal in England. They share this possibility with the boys on Christmas, which breaks Buddy’s heart because he doesn’t want to leave his grandparents. The young boy would be convinced by her cousin Moira (Lara McDonnell) convinces him to stealing. His first attempt goes down at a sweet shop, but it goes awry when he gets caught stealing a chocolate, ‘Turkish Delight’. Because he didn’t reveal any co-conspirators, Moira recruits him into participating a looting at a supermarket. He ends up stealing a box of laundry detergent and when he confesses to Ma of what he did, she drags him and Moira back to the supermarket to return it. When this happens, Billy holds them all hostage as leverage for his own escape. Thankfully, Pa & Will arrive at the scene with the British Army to end the riot. Pa is then able to disarm Billy, promptly resulting in him being arrested for attempted murder. It is this moment where Ma agrees to leave Belfast for England. Before they prepare for departure, they celebrate Pop’s life via funeral, who died from a fatal illness sometime after Billy’s arrest. As the family says goodbye to Granny, Buddy wonders if he ever would have a good relationship with Catherine due to her being Catholic. Pa believes that her religion shouldn’t make a difference. As Granny sees them all depart, the film ends with a message, dedicating the film “For the ones who stayed. For the ones who left. And for all the ones who were lost”.
THOUGHTS
I had no idea what this film was until hearing of it during awards season. As my curiosity struck by making time for it, it satisfies when I say I absolutely love this film. Writer/Director Kenneth Branagh shares a love letter to his childhood, addressing how much he enjoyed every second of it. He universally tells us how when things begin to change, you have to find the best of it because negativity won't change it. Every generation goes through tumultuous times and when you do, you have to not let it dethrone your mentality. When I hear 'Down to Joy' by Van Morrison, I start smiling because it reminded me how beautiful the world can be around you when ignoring the flaws. Just enjoy the days while you can. This power of positivity becomes so embracing thanks to such a beautiful ensemble. Breakout Jude Hill is a goddamn delight in the role of Buddy. I loved this kid because he was adventurous, curious and didn't let the predicament around him break his spirit, no matter how scared he was. Throughout, he tries to figure out what kind of person he wants to be and lucky for us, he was good from the start. Leaving home is never easy but after the supermarket looting, he realized that it was for the best. Once he leaves, he knows that his love for Belfast will never go away, despite how bad it got. If you really want me to pick on one thing about this movie, I would simply say how ridiculous it was to see him grab Turkish Delight when he doesn't even like it. I don't want him to steal, but it is pretty bizarre that of all the various candies in a candy store, he grabs one he didn't like. Other than that, this movie remains amazing. Jamie Dorman & Caitriona Balfe were a perfect couple in their respected roles of Pa and Ma. Dorman shows Pa as a man with many obstacles because when he does his best looking out for his family, he constantly faces adversity wherever he goes. But he is ultimately a great dad when he teaches Buddy to generally love people, whatever religion we believe in. Balfe steals every scene she is in as Ma, someone who struggles keeping it together as she took care of her boys more than her husband was able to. She handles her blunt moment of self reflection so beautifully, because she understands that she put Buddy in danger after trying so hard to protect him. She ultimately agreed going to England after that because she couldn't bare risking the chance of that incident to ever happen again. The true heart of this story in my opinion goes to both Granny and Pop. Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds both earn their Oscar nominations for their supporting roles because they give the most warmth to Buddy when his parents aren't able to. They listen to what he wants to say and had their own set of great advice to him. Granny taught to embrace your interests and Pop taught to accept change. The latter's funeral was indeed because it is never easy to lose a loved one, a universally relatable moment in life. However, his funeral warmed my heart because we should celebrate life rather than mourn. We will miss those we love, but they will never be forgotten. In conclusion, Belfast earns its Best Picture nomination for warming our hearts the best in 2021. You want your spirit to be lifted? See this movie now.
Comentarios