Page
Belfast
- Summary
- How to watch
- News & features
❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
Watch trailer
02:24
Belfast
Save
- 2021
- Kenneth Branagh
- 94 mins
- 12A
Summary
Period drama starring Jude Hill, Caitríona Balfe, Jamie Dornan and Judi Dench. Northern Ireland, 1969: nine-year-old Buddy starts a new school year, only vaguely aware of the political turmoil that surrounds him. When Buddy's Protestant father is approached to join with dangerous local sectarians, the family is increasingly affected by the violence of the Troubles.
Ad
Powered By
IMDB
Review
A star rating of 3 out of 5.
Trevor Johnston
This autobiographical drama recalls key events in writer/director Kenneth Branagh's childhood. In August 1969, a neighbourhood street in north Belfast is attacked by a Protestant mob seeking to force out Catholic residents. Schoolboy Buddy (Jude Hill, a standout) is frightened and confused by the turmoil, while his Protestant folks (Caitríona Balfe and Jamie Dornan) realise that by standing up against the bullies they may jeopardise their own family's safety. Eschewing any overview of the broader historical context, Branagh clearly intends the film to stand as a statement against prejudice. Still, the characters' central dilemma is rather slackly handled, with tension slipping away in favour of an affectionate portrait of boyhood innocence. The too-pristine backstreet sets prove a distraction, and while the film is always engaging, witty and deeply felt, there's a lack of precision and punch, which leaves it a few notches short of greatness.
imdb-square
7.2/10
How to watch
Loading
Streaming
Credits
Cast
rolenameMaCaitríona BalfeGrannyJudi DenchPaJamie DornanPopCiarán HindsWillLewis McAskieBuddyJude HillBilly ClantonColin MorganMoiraLara McDonnellUncle JackGerard Horan
Show more
Crew
rolenameDirectorKenneth Branagh
Details
Theatrical distributor
Universal Pictures Int (UK)
Released on
2022-01-21
Languages
English
Guidance
Violence, swearing
Formats
Black and white
News & features about Belfast
-
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast soundtrack: Every song featured
Including Girls Aloud, Black Eyed Peas, Mis-Teeq and Blue, there are plenty of notable hits in Lisa McGee's new comedy-drama.
-
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is somehow too much and not enough
The new Netflix series will drive your blood pressure up – but it may be a Marmite watch for many.
Ad
-
Line of Duty legend reveals season 7 production impacted by unrest in Belfast: "That wasn't great"
Adrian Dunbar expresses concern over tensions being "stirred" in Northern Ireland.
-
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast cast: Where you've seen them before
Lisa McGee brings us a shiny new comedy thriller, but who stars in it?
-
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast ending explained: What actually happened to Greta?
A full breakdown of the surprising finale.
-
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast cast on how "shared trauma" unfolds in new mystery series
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast centres on a group of friends – who are faced with a lot more than they bargained for.
-
Derry Girls creator reveals how it inspired her new Netflix show How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
"What would those young girls think of the sort of women we've become?"
Ad
-
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast cast speak on potential season 2: "There's plenty more story left in them"
Will we be getting a second season of the chaotic comedy?
-
House of Guinness stars confirmed to unite for "dynamic, loud, and uncompromising" Belfast-set drama based on award-winning novel
Close to Home is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Michael Magee.
-
Derry Girls creator talks new Netflix show How to Get to Heaven from Belfast: "You can't separate us from what's happened here"
Following her BAFTA-winning Derry Girls, Lisa McGee is pivoting to something a bit creepier – but with friends, laughter and fun at its core.
-
Meet the cast of Belfast
Kenneth Branagh's new film features an all star cast including Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench and newcomer Jude Hill.
-
How to watch Belfast – is it streaming?
Kenneth Branagh's coming-of-age tale has been nominated for a host of awards.
-
Belfast soundtrack: Every song featured in Kenneth Branagh’s film
The soundtrack features several tracks from Belfast-born musician Van Morrison.
-
Power of the Dog, Belfast win top awards
Jane Campion's Power of the Dog took home the biggest award of the night for Best Film
-
Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe explain why film Belfast is so "important"
Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe star as Ma and Pa in Sir Kenneth Branagh's acclaimed film Belfast.
-
Paddy confronts long-lost dad Bear Wolf as Emmerdale goes on location to Belfast
But will Bear accept Paddy is his son?
-
Spotted: Game of Thrones cast in Belfast ahead of season eight filming
Look, it's Arya and Sansa Stark in a supermarket car park!
-
Where was Blue Lights season 4 filmed?
The hit police show is back for round four.
-
The Game of Thrones effect - how Belfast became the new Hollywood
Superfans and LA producers have flocked to Belfast since the hit HBO showcased its spectacular environs
-
How to get Shania Twain UK tickets as artist pre-sale goes live for 2027 outdoor shows
Man, I Feel Like getting Shania Twain tickets!
-
How to get tickets for Sombr's O2 shows and festival appearances on the You Are the Reason tour as two extra London dates added
Here's how you can see the US singer-songwriter perform at both festivals and headline shows in the UK in 2027.
-
Nightsleeper adds Merlin icon and more to season 2 cast as hit BBC thriller resumes filming
The series is altering its mode of transportation this time around.
-
Ted Lasso stars give season 5 pitches and talk chances of a renewal
Will we see more of Ted coaching the Richmond women's team?
-
Derry Girls creator's new Netflix show confirms release date with first look
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is coming this February.
See more about Belfast
Ad
Ad
Ad