Belfast (2021)

Set in 1969 Ireland during the Northern Ireland conflict between Protestants and Catholics (though it wasn't really a religious war), a working class Protestant family struggles to stay neutral while the fighting rages around them. Eventually, they're pulled into the conflict against their will. Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, this is his best film since HAMLET (1996) though ALL IS TRUE (2018) is very good. Probably because it's such a personal project for him. This ode to his childhood in Belfast brings up memories of John Boorman's HOPE AND GLORY. Shot in notable B&W with occasional splashes of color by Haris Zambarloukos (MAMMA MIA), the film is seen through the eyes of a 9 year old boy beautifully played by young Jude Hill. Branagh perfectly captures the angst of parents reluctant to give up the home they've known all their lives yet watching as the horror of war creeps into their daily lives and threatens to destroy the childhood of as well as lives of their sons. It's flawlessly acted by its ensemble cast. The only sour note I found was the use of the song from HIGH NOON during a crucial scene which came across as a bit cheesy. With Caitriona Balfe, Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench, Ciaran Hinds and Lewis McAskie.