Belfast

Belfast

Year: 2021

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Echo Score: 74

Budget: $11M

Drama

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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Timeline & Setting – Belfast (2021)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Belfast (2021). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

August 1969

August 1969 marks a significant turning point in Irish history, characterized by increasing tensions between Protestant and Catholic communities in Northern Ireland. This period saw widespread riots and violence, leading to the establishment of barricades and a heightened sense of fear among families. It was a time when the innocence of childhood clashed with harsh realities, forcing families to confront their identities and relationships.

Location

Belfast

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a city marked by its complex history and rich culture. During the late 1960s, it became the epicenter of political and sectarian conflict known as The Troubles, deeply affecting the lives of its residents. The city's streets were a battleground for contrasting communities, shaping the lives of families living in its neighborhoods.

🏙️ City 🇮🇪 Northern Ireland

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Main Characters – Belfast (2021)

Meet the key characters of Belfast (2021), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Buddy

Buddy, a nine-year-old boy, is at the heart of the film, navigating the complexities of childhood against a background of political unrest. He is curious, empathetic, and deeply affected by his surroundings. His friendships, notably with a Catholic classmate, reveal his innocence and the struggles of love amidst division.

👦 Child ❤️ Innocence

Ma

Ma is a steadfast matriarch, deeply rooted in her community and protective of her family. As tensions rise, her concerns for their safety clash with Pa's ambitions to migrate for a better future. Her love for Belfast underscores her resilience and emotional plight throughout the film.

👩‍👦 Mother 🌍 Home

Pa

Pa is a father figure torn between his family's well-being and his obligations overseas. His struggle with distance and the pressure of providing highlights the emotional challenges faced by working-class families during turbulent times. His dreams of leaving Belfast signify his desire for safety and a brighter future for his children.

👨‍👦 Father 🌍 Provider

Granny

Granny is the family's matriarch, embodying wisdom and nostalgia. Her deep connection with her home and loved ones reveals the emotional toll of the family's impending departure. She represents the heart of family ties and the pain of loss as she remains behind.

👵 Grandparent 💔 Nostalgia

Pop

Pop is a supportive grandfather who provides guidance to Buddy as he navigates his feelings and experiences. His warm presence and encouragement reinforce the importance of family bonds during times of crisis, acting as a stabilizing force for the younger generation.

👴 Grandparent 🤝 Guidance

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Major Themes – Belfast (2021)

Explore the central themes of Belfast (2021), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Family Dynamics

The film explores the complexities of family relationships amid external turmoil. Buddy's family's struggles reveal how financial pressures and societal upheaval can strain partnerships and parent-child dynamics. As they navigate their uncertainties, the themes of love and sacrifice emerge strong.

🕊️ Division and Unity

Set against the backdrop of civil unrest, 'Belfast' poignantly addresses the theme of division within a community. Buddy's innocent feelings for a Catholic classmate highlight the potential for unity in the face of societal conflict. The film ultimately conveys that love and personal connections can transcend the barriers imposed by hatred.

🚸 Childhood Innocence

Through Buddy's perspective, the film presents a child's journey of discovering friendship and love amidst chaos. His experiences reflect the bittersweet nature of growing up during turbulent times, where innocence is tested but remains a precious thread in human relationships.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies like Belfast Seen Through a Child's Eyes

Turbulent historical events experienced through the innocent perspective of a child.Discover films like Belfast that use a child's perspective to frame major historical events. If you enjoyed the intimate, nostalgic feel of Belfast, these coming-of-age stories set against societal conflict offer a similar blend of innocence and harsh reality.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow a young protagonist navigating a world suddenly disrupted by forces they don't fully comprehend—war, political strife, or social decay. The narrative focuses on their emotional reactions, the small moments of normalcy they cling to, and the gradual loss of innocence as the conflict encroaches on their world.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared approach to framing large-scale events through a small-scale, personal lens. They prioritize emotional resonance over historical detail, using a child's confusion, wonder, and resilience to explore themes of family, community, and the enduring power of innocence.

Family Drama Movies Like Belfast Amidst Conflict

Families struggling to stay united as external forces threaten to tear them apart.Explore movies similar to Belfast that focus on a family's struggle to remain together during times of societal unrest. If the intimate family dynamics and the threat of displacement in Belfast resonated with you, these dramas about resilience and love under pressure will feel familiar.

anxiousintimatemelancholichopefultenseheartfeltdramatic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern centers on a family grappling with a crisis—be it war, political violence, or economic hardship—that forces difficult choices about survival, loyalty, and identity. The plot is driven by internal debates and sacrifices, where the ultimate conflict is between the desire to protect the family unit and the crushing weight of the outside world.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their focus on the family as the emotional core of the story. The external conflict serves to heighten internal family dynamics, creating a powerful mix of intimate drama and high stakes. They share a bittersweet tone, balancing the pain of potential loss with the hope found in love and unity.

Unlock the Full Story of Belfast

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.

Belfast Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Belfast, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Belfast Summary

Belfast Timeline

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.

Belfast Timeline

Belfast Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Belfast? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Belfast Ending Explained

Belfast Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Belfast that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Belfast Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Belfast

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Belfast: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Belfast

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