Belfast

I absolutely love this movie. Kenneth Branagh beautifully sows together the fabrics of his childhood into a gorgeous work of art. The cast is sensational… Caitriona Balfe is incredible and gives her everything in her performance as mum. Judi Dench will leave you with goosebumps with a single line (as always). Jude Hill is mind-blowing. The fact that someone so young can give a lead-performance so heart-wrenching and so triumphant. The scene on Christmas night when he runs, crying out of the room, "I don't want to leave Belfast!" leaves me teary-eyed every time. AND…can I say the use of Van Morrison's music and the score he wrote himself is absolutely amazing. The choir pads with saxophone leads elevate this film to another level. Ultimately, however, we must pay our dues and respect to the master of it all: Kenneth Branagh. His direction is elegantly sensitive, witty, sweet, and endearing all the way through. His script is seamlessly etched in greatness. This film is ever-so touching and oh-so powerful. A personal favorite and, what I consider, the best film of 2021.

A melancholy story inspired in true facts, full of joyful, sad and enjoyable moments, you will totally immerse in the environment around the film that also shows us the power of cinema during difficult times.

Far more predictable (it owes a lot to other and much better coming of age movies) and devoid of any real tension than I think a lot people are willing to admit but that's probably because it is admittedly charming and the performances are delightful.

One of the best movies I've seen in years.

Wow, the super rare five star review.

Yeah, it was OK. Thought it dragged a little bit and was looking at my watch around the hour mark. Great performance from the little kid. Definitely worth a watch, but not as enamored with this film as the critics and audience. Not a big fan of Van Morrison...

Excellent movie with a star studded cast.

This movie is delightful. In a way, it's a compilation of scenes - moments from a life lived in a neighborhood that became a war zone. Young Jude Hill gives an outstanding performance as Buddy, who's based on writer-director Kenneth Branagh's young self. Everyone is excellent. Scenes between Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds picking at each other reminded me of my own grandparents. I'm not much for "slice of life" movies, but this one really won my heart.

Gripping and uplifting in equal measure, with a lively soundtrack. Unmissable.

Cute. I really liked the child actor and the grandparents. But SO SLOW. So many long passages with music to pass the time.