Belfast

I've never seen John Boorman's Hope and Glory, his autobiographical film about his growing up at the dawn of World War II. I saw its poster once around 1994, but that's it. But seeing posters for Kenneth Branagh's similarly autobiographical Belfast is enough to remind me of the earlier film. A few other critics have already made the Hope and Glory connection; wonder if you'll make it.

Branagh represents himself with Buddy (Jude Hill), a Protestant lad growing up in Belfast, Ireland. His carefree life is disturbed on August 15th, 1969, when Protestant rioters attack his Catholic neighbors. This formally begins the decades-long Troubles. A few Protestant jerks, Billy Clanton (Colin Morgan) and McLaury (Conor MacNeil), want Buddy's Pa (Jamie Dornan) to join them. Pa doesn't want to, despite their threats, and considers uprooting the family to England.

Meanwhile, Buddy tries to live his life. His Pop (Ciaran Hinds) and Granny (Judi Dench) give him valuable life advice. His Ma (Caitriona Balfe) tries to keep up with Pa's debts. He pines for Catholic classmate, Catherine (Olive Tennant), his partner for an upcoming class assignment about the moon landing. He goes to the movies, which fill his life, and this black-and-white movie, with color. His cousin, Moira (Lara McDonnell), teaches him mischief. But that life won't last forever.

There's much to talk about with Haris Zambarloukos's cinematography. We see the camera circle around Buddy when rioters surround him. We see Pa stand tall when Clanton and McLaury first meet him. We see an intimidating hellfire sermon from a minister (Turlough Convery). Its black-and-white imagery has a major advantage; its full color movies dazzle us as much as they do Buddy. The effect must be seen to be believed.

The soundtrack is populated by Van Morrison songs, including a new one for the end credits. They're a good soundtrack for an easygoing life like Buddy's. Do Not Forsake Me, from High Noon, is Pa's soundtrack here. His final confrontation with the thugs is likened to Will Kane's battle with Frank Miller. This is after we see Buddy watch it on TV. It's an appropriate song choice.

How about the characters? Buddy is a likable kid even when Moira leads him astray. His relationship with Catherine is endearing. Ma's determination reaches a new height of audacity when she drags Buddy and Moira to a supermarket, in the middle of a riot, so he can return some laundry detergent he swiped. Pa proves himself a good man when he deals with the thugs, who are perfectly loathsome villains. Pop and Granny, meanwhile, get the best lines and are the warmest presences here.

Belfast runs a slow and steady story over a quick and easy 97 minutes. It's worth it thanks to its great ensemble, strong lead performance and unique technical style. I don't know if it's the Best Picture of the Year, but it's probably one of the best in my year. Its historical story certainly inspired me to read more on The Troubles. Will it have the same effect on you? Just see it and find out.