BRANAGH’S BRAVE Belfast
The Troubles Pack a Punch with Jamie Dornan
Kenneth Branagh has made his most personal film to date with Belfast. The black-and-white project stars Jamie Dornan and newcomer Jude Hill. It documents a time in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the three-decade “irregular war” between Catholics and Protestants during The Troubles.
The film focuses on a working-class family, particularly the relationship between Pa (Dornan) and Buddy (Hill). Belfast is a semi-autobiographical tale, and Branagh is credited as the sole writer. Pre-production began in July 2020, at the height of the pandemic, which inspired Branagh to make the film.
“I started to feel as though in a way the first lockdown that I experienced was in Belfast when suddenly after this very violent change the street was sealed at either end by two barricades. It essentially became a kind of fortress,” he told Deadline. “I suppose I wanted to get back in touch with my nine-year- old self and to try and understand what that family was going through, what families can go through in times of great change when they have to make very, very important decisions involving sacrifice in the midst of potential danger, and somehow still find a way, whenever they can, to keep it light and to laugh.”
Belfast has all of the markings of a quintessential Oscars nominee:
- Beautiful cinematography
- A rich, personal subject matter
- Incredible performances from Hill, Dornan, and Judi Dench
But it’s not your typical “Oscars bait.” It goes much deeper than that, which is why it’s considered a frontrunner for all major awards.
People are calling Belfast Branagh’s masterpiece — and film festivals agree. It debuted at the Telluride Film Festival and won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. Perhaps these recent winners ring a bell: Nomadland, Jojo Rabbit, La La Land, and The King’s Speech.
This could also be a considerable profile boost for Dornan, who hasn’t done much since his appearance in the 50 Shades of Grey series. Most of his roles post-50 Shades have involved participating as a secondary character. However, in Belfast, his top talents are on display.
Belfast is poised to be the hit of the year, so make sure you see it when it hits theaters on November 12.
