The trailer for Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographic film has arrived and it has done absolutely nothing to slow that push towards Oscar glory. Belfast was written and directed by Branagh and follows the goings-on of a working-class family in the late 60s Belfast. The city and country of Ireland was going through some rough and violent times. It was one hell of a time to grow, and through the eyes of the legendary filmmaker, the movie is touching souls as it is reaching a universal audience.
The black-and-white film commences with a narration from star Judy Dench (who Branagh worked with recently in All in True), who explains that life is filled with love, but the threat of violence and political unrest around every corner. Makes for a unique narrative featuring the eyes and ears of a young boy growing up amongst familial adoration and violence.
Belfast also stars Ciaran Hinds, Jude Hill, Jamie Dornan, and Caitriona.
There’s a quote from Dench’s narrator that truly sticks to you. The most vital aspect of any person’s tale is “not how the story ends, but rather, the place where it begins.”
A soundtrack of Van Morrison, including Wild Night (as featured in the above trailer) and other tracks that add layers to the narrative power of Branagh’s most personal work.
Dornan’s father wonders whether Belfast is the best place to raise children, what with car bombs and flagrant fistfights. He even considers leaving the country. This is a relationship story and the one that carries the most weight has to be the one between the boy’s grandfather (played by Hinds).
Belfast lands in theaters on November 12.