The Wonder Years Go to Ireland

 

Or something like that.

So begins the 2021 award season as I have received my first screeners.   And the very first one I watched was this charming slice of Irish life called "Belfast."  In retrospect, it's one I wish I had seen in a theater rather on my couch, although the intimacy lends to the film's success.

This comes from writer-director Kenneth Branagh and, after the movie was over, I confirmed what I thought.   He hails from Belfast and was probably the same age as Buddy the hero of the film in 1969 when it was set.   You can feel the personal touches in every frame.   You know this is all probably true-to-life and a chapter from Branagh's early life.

It's August 1969 and the violence is starting up in Belfast between Protestant Irish and Catholic Irish.   Young Buddy's family is Protestant and trying to stay out of harm's way while dealing with rent money, marital strife, and aging grandparents.   But, in the middle of it all, Buddy strives to do things that a youngster would do and that includes the apple of his eye in school, a young Catholic girl named Catherine.

Against the historical backdrop, you see Buddy and his family doing such mundane things as watching "Star Trek."   The movie is in glorious black and white but comes to Technicolor life when the family goes out to the movies and see such movies as "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."  Indeed, the familiar issues for this household were no different than any other family in 1969 against the agitated background of the late 60s.   That's where the comparison to the old "Wonder Years" comes into play.   "Belfast" resonates in the same manner and, at a tight 97 minutes, tells the story of the times efficiently and beautifully.   

Save for Judi Dench as the grandmother, the cast was largely unknown to me and that helped demonstrate the commonplace situation all the more.  As Buddy, youngster Jude Hill shines.

So whether you have it free on an industry DVD or it's your local cinematic emporium, "Belfast" is well worth your time.

LEN'S RATING:  Four stars.

Dinner last night:  Leftover chicken.