Year: 2021
Runtime: 98 min
Language: English
Director: Kenneth Branagh
During the Troubles in Belfast, a nine-year-old boy experiences a childhood suddenly disrupted by conflict. As violence erupts around him, he grapples with the changing landscape of his city and the potential loss of his home. Through the chaos, he finds comfort in family, friendships, and the magic of movies, offering a poignant and nostalgic look at a turbulent time.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Belfast (2021), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The film follows the challenges faced by a working-class Ulster Protestant family, seen through the eyes of their nine-year-old son, Buddy, during the tumultuous period known as The Troubles in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Buddy’s father, Pa, works overseas in England, leaving the rest of the family—Ma, his elder brother Will, and their paternal grandparents, Granny and Pop—to navigate life back home in Belfast.
As August 1969 riots erupt, a group of Protestant loyalists violently target the homes and businesses of Catholics on Buddy’s street, prompting residents to erect barricades to fend off further attacks. Amidst the chaos, Pa returns from England to ensure his family’s safety but must eventually leave again, much to Buddy’s dismay, as he feels the weight of the impending conflict.
During a church visit, the minister, Turlough Convery, delivers a stern speech about the crossroads facing the community. This resonates deeply with Buddy, who grapples with his feelings for his talented Catholic classmate, Catherine. As they forge a friendship, Buddy finds himself hopelessly enamored, confiding in Pop, who encourages him to seek out moments to bond with Catherine, whether in or out of school.
Amidst conversations with his cousin, Moira, Buddy explores the distinctions between Catholics and Protestants, while navigating friendship with local boys, including Catholic friends like Mackie and Mr. Kavanagh. Tensions rise further when Billy Clanton, a local criminal, harasses Pa for money or support in “the cause,” escalating the fears for Buddy’s safety. Throughout this period, Pa remains preoccupied with work and increasingly distant from his family.
As the family’s financial burdens mount, tensions between Ma and Pa strain their relationship. Pa dreams of emigrating to Sydney or Vancouver, a notion that terrifies Ma, who feels a deep-rooted connection to Belfast and the community that has helped raise their boys. Christmas brings a moment of crisis as they discuss the possibility of moving, with Buddy breaking down at the thought of leaving his home and friends.
In a misguided attempt to bolster their rebellious spirit, Buddy and Moira embark on a plan to steal sweets from a local shop, which spirals into chaos as they become embroiled in rioting alongside loyalists. Their escapades lead to an intense confrontation with Billy, which culminates in a standoff involving Pa, Will, and the British Army. With the situation deteriorating, and safety compromised, the family ultimately decides that a move to England is their best option.
As they prepare to leave, Buddy bids an emotional farewell to Catherine, grappling with thoughts of a future filled with possibilities, despite their differing backgrounds. Pa reassures him that love knows no divisions, while a deeply saddened Granny faces the loss of her loved ones and the passing of Pop. The film poignantly concludes with the family boarding a bus to the airport, leaving behind a fractured community, as Granny is left alone to contemplate the void created by their departure.
Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 14:16
Still wondering what the ending of Belfast (2021) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
The ending of “Belfast” is deeply poignant, reflecting both the personal loss and the broader impact of conflict and displacement. After the family’s decision to leave Belfast due to the escalating violence and unrest, they prepare for their departure. Buddy’s grandfather, who played a vital role in his childhood, passes away, and Buddy has to deliver the sad news to his father. The family visits his grandfather’s funeral before boarding a bus to the airport, leaving behind their home and everything familiar to start anew elsewhere. As they leave, their grandmother looks on at the now-empty house, and Buddy gazes back at his neighborhood one last time.
This farewell encapsulates the core of the film’s emotional message—moving away from one’s roots is a heartbreaking yet sometimes necessary choice in the face of violence and upheaval. The film ends with dedicated acknowledgments to those who stayed and those who left, along with those who were lost, emphasizing the personal and collective toll of the Troubles. Ultimately, the story is a tender ode to childhood innocence intertwined with the painful realities of displacement, portraying how breaking free from conflict often entails saying goodbye to what is familiar, cherished, and safe. The ending leaves viewers with a sense of both sadness and resilience, capturing the enduring hope and loss woven into the human experience of trying to hold on and moving on.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:59
Don't stop at just watching — explore Belfast in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Belfast is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Belfast with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Belfast. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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