Overview
A young boy navigates the complexities of life amidst a backdrop of conflict and uncertainty.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- nostalgic
- witty
- warm
- reflective evening
- historical film night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Belfast as a deeply personal, visually accomplished historical coming-of-age drama elevated by strong performances, while acknowledging narrative shortcomings.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Buddy interprets The Troubles through school, street conflict, cinema, and conversations among relatives.
The story presents Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast childhood through affectionate family memories shadowed by escalating unrest.
Haris Zambarloukos’s black-and-white cinematography is interrupted by notable color moments associated with film and television.
Buddy’s family must decide whether to remain in their neighborhood or leave as sectarian danger intensifies.
Films like Belfast, and why
Hope and Glory
shared coming-of-age perspective, family intimacy, working-class community, and historical upheaval
The Wonder Years
shared childhood viewpoint, family bonds, nostalgic tone, and wartime social disruption
Roma
shared autobiographical drama, black-and-white visual style, family conflict, and displacement
The Wind That Shakes the Barley
shared childhood innocence confronting sectarian violence, family loyalty, and bittersweet migration
Movie Details
- Director
- Kenneth Branagh
- Release Date
- 2021-11-12
- Runtime
- 98 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (1739)
Cast
- Jude Hill
- Jamie Dornan
- Caitríona Balfe
- Lewis McAskie
- Judi Dench
- Ciarán Hinds
- Lara McDonnell
- Colin Morgan
- Gerard Horan
- Josie Walker
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Belfast about?
- A Belfast boy discovers that family, neighborhood, and childhood innocence cannot remain untouched by sectarian violence.
- What is Belfast like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Belfast as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Belfast violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Belfast as mild.
- What did critics think of Belfast?
- Critics broadly praised Belfast as a deeply personal, visually accomplished historical coming-of-age drama elevated by strong performances, while acknowledging narrative shortcomings.
- Which films are like Belfast?
- Films with a similar feel include Hope and Glory, The Wonder Years, Roma, and The Wind That Shakes the Barley.
- How long is Belfast?
- Belfast runs 98 minutes.
- Where can I watch Belfast?
- In United States, Belfast is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling.
