Opening briefly in colour in a sunny modern-day Belfast, Belfast quickly and cleverly transitions into black-and-white 1969 and a seemingly idyllic representation of a community childhood, which is soon shattered by rioting, division and barricades. Belfast is a challenging piece of commercial film-making that deals with tough themes from the outset - and that is just the first five minutes. The film tells the tale of one family living through the troubles, with three generations and their interactions portrayed wonderfully throughout, the adult world filtered beautifully through the perspective of young Buddy (played delightfully by Jude Hill), whose escape into TV, movies and fantasy is juxtaposed to great effect with the escalating violence and strict religion as a running thread. The film boasts what is easily one of Jamie Dornan's best performances as the put-upon young father, with excellent work from Caitriona Balfe as the mother and Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds on fine form as the grandparents. In amongst the film's dark and powerful moments, a feelgood soundtrack and the triumph of the human spirit, love and family at every turn make Belfast a hugely accomplished, entertaining and impressive movie.
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