Written and directed by Kenneth Brannagh (Death on the Nile; Artemis Fowl; Murder on the Orient Express; Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit) and starring Jude Hill (his first feature film role; Magpie Murders (TV Series)), Caitriona Balfe (Le Mans '66; Escape Plan; Now You See Me; Super 8), Jamie Dornan (Fifty Shades of Grey; A Private War; The Tourist (TV Mini Series); The Fall (TV Series)), Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love; Chocolat; Philomena; The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Ciarán Hinds (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy; The Woman in Black; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2; The Phantom of the Opera) and Lewis McAskie (Here Before).
Drama; 98 mins; 12+
Set in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1969 at the height of the troubles, it follows a young family facing daily challenges bookended by the economic depression and high unemployment and the sectarian unrest and violence that comes to their street and their door.
This semi-autobiographical story, told mainly in black and white, features Buddy (Jude Hill) lives with his Ma (Caitriona Balfe) and Pa (Jamie Dornan) and older brother Will (Lewis McAskie). Buddy is a rather cheeky, happy-go-lucky boy in primary school who studies hard, partly to be noticed by a girl at the top of the class. He plays football and other games in the street with the neighbour's children. His parents want to do the best they can for the boys, but they only see their father every second weekend when he comes home from London where he works in construction; he is offer a promotion but Buddy's Ma is loath to pack up and leave Belfast, her home and the family's home where they know everyone and are accepted.
However, sectarianism is driving the community apart, with their father urging the boys not to be tempted or intimidated while he is away. The boys find solace with Granny (Judi Dench) and Pop (Ciarán Hinds) who helps Buddy with his maths homework; however, they are not as young as they were and their health is failing.
Quite nostalgic (not overly so) and capturing the essence of growing up in Ireland fifty-odd years ago, by way of conveying community spirit, not fussing over one's medical condition, funerals, the thrill of outings to the cinema, outdoor toilets, classrooms, dances, the thrill of opening Christmas presents, etc. The delicate issue of addressing sectarianism was handled well, resisting the urge to portray one side in too negative a way. Some brilliant acting performances, with Oscar nominations included. A brilliant soundtrack with songs by Van Morrison, amongst others.
Coming soon to Kinepolis cinemas in Luxembourg.
