Kenneth Branagh’s gentle memoir of his childhood in Belfast is a rare personal expression from the celebrated actor/director, who was born in the Northern Irish capital but moved to the UK at the age of nine. Branagh only began to write about his past during lockdown, and quickly shot "Belfast" once restrictions were lifted, largely on a purpose-built set in the UK which subbed for the close-quarters street of terraced housing in which he spent his formative years.

The result is engaging, tender film-making which tugs at the heart-strings, spurred by a sympathetic cast and the young lead, newcomer Jude Hill. Best compared, perhaps, with John Boorman’s “Hope And Glory”, “Belfast” is more led by its love for family and community than detailing the external forces which threaten to tear them apart.

Fionnuala Halligan, Screen International