There are two kinds of movies in our life: the films we understand and the films we experience.

Every
film is a story that gives us a slice of the cake that we call life. I have seen perhaps two films in my life
that have moved me so much that I have been under its influence for weeks. One is the classic,
’known-by-all’ family film, Forest Gump. The other film is called Belfast, a work of art that
mesmerized me and captured my imagination.
Belfast is a 2021 Northern Ireland coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Kenneth
Branagh. The film, which Branagh described as his "most personal film", follows the childhood of a
young boy in Belfast, Northern Ireland, at the start of the Troubles in 1969. The film has received
several nominations for its brilliant cinematography and storytelling. It was also a winner of the
People’s Choice Award at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival.
The film is seen through the glasses of an Irish boy, Buddy. However, he is not the only protagonist of
the film. I think that every viewer would find a different protagonist, as the portrayal of each character
is deeply profound and unique. The escalating conflicts between Irish Protestants and Catholics force
Buddy and his family to leave their beloved home, family and past. The film embraces this soul-
searching dilemma, almost a memoir to both who left and those who stayed. The film sensitively
touches on the pain of migration and the notion of distressing separation from home.
What struck me about this film was the lack of narration and monologues. There was no narrator
present in the movie for almost one hour. This decision forced the viewer to analyze the surroundings
and search for deeper meaning. The faces of the characters were presented closely so that the viewer
could decipher their thoughts. Perhaps there were more unspoken words left than those spoken. This
approach is not a surprise if we know the story behind it. Writer-director Kenneth Branagh wants to
tell a semi-autobiographical story. He and his family moved to Britain once the Troubles started in the
late 1960s. Once they arrived at Branagh they had to modify his Irish accent to fit in and leave
everything of value behind. This gives the film a realism that is perhaps rarely seen.
Belfast is an experience for all ages, but especially for young adults. All young people play with the
idea of what it would be like to leave their country and move to a place where life seems much easier.
Whatever their fates may bring, this film will stay with them as a compass forever.