It's a heavy subject - Northern Ireland in the 1960s, as the conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics rises, leaving the region in tumult - but ‘Belfast’ is an inviting and even warm look at a family that is doing its best to hold together while their community fractures around them. Branagh tells his very personal story through the eyes of a young boy.
When you're that young, you don't understand the politics of conflict. You just try to make the best of your childhood, and ‘Belfast’ comes alive with wonder and heart against a backdrop of rising hostilities amongst the grown-ups. Beautiful, heartfelt storytelling.