Belfast

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