How Oscar nominee ‘Belfast’ explores Kenneth Branagh’s childhood
Described in Times critic Justin Chang’s review as “Kenneth Branagh’s wobbly crowd-pleaser about his tumultuous early years in Northern Ireland,” “Belfast” earned seven Oscar nominations including best picture, directing, original song, original screenplay, sound and nods in the supporting actor categories for Ciarán Hinds and Judi Dench. All of this despite its title.
Still, “Outlander” star Caitríona Balfe somehow missed out on a nomination for her standout performance, while “Fifty Shades of Grey” actor Jamie Dornan had also earned attention for his work (and the way he belts out “Everlasting Love”).
The movie has had a bit of a bumpy journey to Oscars, winning the audience award at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival after it had world-premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, but then finding a modest reception at the domestic box office and failing to pick up any major best picture precursor prizes.
Nevertheless, it does bring a welcome new perspective on the Troubles to the screen.
- 1
Mirth and melancholy mingle in Kenneth Branagh’s film about his childhood in Northern Ireland.
- 2
Director Kenneth Branagh makes his most personal film to date by revisiting his Northern Ireland childhood in Telluride breakout “Belfast.”
- 3
Back when the Troubles owned the headlines, one couldn’t imagine a sweet movie called ‘Belfast,’ let alone one chronicling woes of an Irish Protestant family.
- 4
The two have worked together now 12 times, convincing Branagh that his friend was just the right person to play his grandmother in his semiautobiographical ‘Belfast.’
- 5
Coming out of quarantine, Irish actress Caitríona Balfe has earned rave reviews for Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast” and faced new challenges on “Outlander.”
- 6
Kenneth Branagh’s latest film looks back on his childhood growing up amid Northern Ireland’s strife. Dornan and Balfe have fun portraying his parents.
- 7
Sure, the film is based on Kenneth Branagh’s childhood. But the director never wanted the veteran actor to imitate his actual grandfather.
- 8
Working with director Kenneth Branagh, the sound team kept it simple, seeking sonic clarity amid the chaos.
- 9
Plenty of films have city names in their titles. Which ones stand out at awards time? Hint: Don’t put your money on Chicago.
