Belfast might be Branagh’s most reflective and personal film to date, but he brings to this intimate tale the same gift for big canvas filmmaking as seen in previous work. Shot in lustrous black and white by Haris Zambarloukos and accompanied by a rousing Van Morrison soundtrack, the film sees Buddy’s child’s-eye perspective on the increasing social unrest give way to imaginings inspired by his love of movies. Ideas of ‘home’ are so often a mix of trauma and nostalgia and here Branagh balances melancholy and poignancy with moments of wonder and joy. With a world-class cast that also includes Judi Dench and Ciarán Hinds as Buddy’s beloved grandparents, Belfast is a bighearted ode to a city, its community and to family.