Branaghs very personal movie is undoubtedly entertaining and beautiful to look at with it luminescent B&W film. But as a drama it lacks. The violence that drives the family to leave doesnt really ratchet up. The tension doesnt bite deeper as the story progresses. And the open air scenes are so choreographed they could have been pulled directly from a Busby Berkley movie. But Branagh delivers pure gold in the intimate scenes with the family. Its worth watching just for these exquisite collections of little scenes. Its been compared to Roma, but doesnt come close. Both have fabulous cinemaphotography, but thats where the comparison ends. Dench and Hinds are superb, Balfe is the strongest apart of course from the child lead who lights up the screen like no other. Lingering closeups .....yes thats what I will remember most.
Review of Belfast
