Belfast tells the story of Buddy, a young boy growing up in 1960s Northern Ireland during the height of the Troubles, where sectarian violence and political conflict ravaged the country. Buddy's family, made up of his parents and grandparents, are a working-class Catholic family living in a Protestant-dominated community in the city.
Despite the conflict outside their doorsteps, Buddy's life is filled with joy and mischief with his best friend, spending his days exploring the city and going on adventures. However, as the violence increases, Buddy's family must confront the possibility of leaving their beloved hometown for a new life in England, where they hope to escape the chaos and build a better future for their family.
Throughout the film, we witness the struggles and decisions that Buddy's family faces as they attempt to balance their love for their hometown, their family obligations, and their desire for safety. We also see the impact that the conflict has on Buddy's budding romance with a Protestant girl, as they navigate their families' differences and society's expectations.
Belfast is a deeply personal and heartfelt story, written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, who based the film on his own experiences growing up in Belfast during the Troubles. The film explores the themes of family, love, resilience, and hope, and features a talented cast, including Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench, CaitrÃona Balfe, and newcomer Jude Hill as Buddy.