Belfast is a film with universal characters that all audiences can relate to. Although the film may be set in a very specific place and time, that is, 1960s Northern Ireland during the Troubles, everyone can relate to a character, or know someone who shares traits with one in particular. That is what makes it so enjoyable, but also heart-wrenching to watch.
Equally important are the performances by the cast, which are all-around fantastic. The best performances are the ones that reach the audience not only with their actions but also with their words.
Will
Will is the older son in the film's central family. Although he doesn't have as much dialogue and screentime as the rest of the characters, his role within the film is nevertheless important. As the oldest child in the family, Will is expected to hold down the fort when his father is away working.
He also becomes caught up in the city's conflict, demonstrating its influence on the youth. It is through him that the themes of masculinity and family are explored. However, his position as a minor character makes it is hard to really get to know him and become invested in his storyline.
Minister
The Minister is the most surprising character in the film, for he starts off as a menacing presence and leaves the audience with unexpectedly emotional and sincere words of wisdom. In his first scene, the Minister is shown in a close-up with his sweaty face and booming voice consuming the screen. His sermon leaves the viewer shaken.
It is this commanding presence that makes his final scene so unexpected. Rather than scaring them into submission, he leaves the grieving characters with a reassuring thought: "Do not say that you are sad that he is gone. Say that you are grateful that he was here." The Minister might not be the most likable character at the beginning of the film, but with this advice, he proves himself to viewers that he is an active and important character.
Aunt Violet
Aunt Violet acts as an advisor and friend to Ma when Ma debates whether or not she and her family should leave Belfast. She appears in a couple of scenes in the film, but it is her conversation with Ma about moving that is the most impactful.
To reassure Ma that leaving Belfast is the right decision, Aunt Violet makes a quip about Irish people leaving the country to open Irish pubs over the world. It is one of many jokes in the film that not only lighten the mood but also tell the truth. Her positivity makes her a very likable character, and her optimism provides a sense of hope not only for the other characters but also for the viewers who find hope in an otherwise, at times, bleak story.
Catherine
The object of young Buddy's affection, Catherine, pops up throughout the film as a reminder of Buddy's innocence and boyhood. She also serves as a reason for Buddy to stay in Belfast, causing both the character and the audience to contemplate what is best for the young boy.
She and Buddy have several meet-cute interactions in the film, most notably at the end where they exchange gifts and then give a quick goodbye that demonstrates the awkwardness and purity of young love. In these interactions, Catherine adds sunshine to the film, as well as an important reminder of what is at stake for Buddy during this time of unrest that he doesn't fully understand. Because her character is not explored in-depth, it is not so much the character that is important, but what she represents.
Moira
Moira, Buddy's cousin, is well-rounded and one of Belfast's bravest characters. At the beginning of the film, it is established that Moira has an influence on Buddy, and tries to act as his teacher. However, it becomes apparent that she too is young and impressionable, as she gets caught up in the gangs that are raiding the streets.
Although she seems unbreakable at the beginning of the film, it is during the raid that her innocence breaks through, causing the audience to remember that she is just a kid caught up in adult politics. This moment is powerful because the audience is introduced to Moira as a typical kid looking to push boundaries. Watching her realize that she is involved with a dangerous group is a real turn in the film, and leaves the viewer with a bad taste in their mouth.
Granny
Granny is a snappy character who could easily be someone's grandmother in real life. She is kind and doting to her grandchildren, yet is quick to deliver a comeback.
As one of Belfast's most intelligent characters, she cracks jokes to get a laugh from Buddy, and delivers advice to both him and Pa. Dame Judi Dench plays her with such effortlessness that the audience is pulled in, longing for her to tell us that everything is going to be okay. What makes Dench's performance and the character so great is that she is able to connect with the audience in a way that feels special and personable.
Pa
Pa (Jamie Dornan) is the breadwinner of the family and the character pushing his family to move in search of a better life. He is, at the end of the day, a family man who wants the best for his loved ones. His drive is what makes him such an interesting character. While the audience may dislike him for wanting to take his family away from their home, it is hard to hate him for looking out for them.
What makes it equally difficult to not love him are the scenes in which it is most evident that his family is his number one priority. Pa's great love for his wife is demonstrated best in a great scene where he serenades Ma at a family gathering. His role as a great father is exemplified when he teaches Buddy that it doesn't matter what religion a person is, what matters is that they are kind.
Pop
Pop is the perfect picture of the goofy grandfather. He is the strongest source of comic relief in a film about a rather dark subject matter. His kindness and humor cause the audience to fall in love with him. He commands every scene he is in with his expressive face and positive demeanor.
Pop drops words of wisdom upon Buddy in the form of some of Belfast's best quotes, inside jokes and songs, which is a delight to witness. In one particular scene, he sings about how to get a woman and then dances with Granny to demonstrate that he knows what he's talking about.
Ma
Ma is the character in the film who displays the strongest emotions. While all of the financial responsibilities lay on her husband, Ma is in charge of keeping their family safe during this time of unrest. With her husband away in England, Ma is constantly worried about him and the safety of their children.
She is also the character with the strongest attachment to Belfast, and thus the least willing to leave. Caitriona Balfe does an excellent job at emulating her turmoil when she delivers a speech about losing faith in the city she calls home. Her performance is remarkable and has the strongest chance of causing the viewer to shed a tear.
Buddy
The protagonist of the film, it is through Buddy's young eyes that the viewer sees the conflict and unrest in Belfast. He is a great kid, imaginative, respectful, and curious, which is why it is particularly hard to watch his home crumble around him. His likeability and position as the main character lead the audience to become invested in his well-being.
Newcomer, Jude Hill, plays the character with such realism that you forget he is acting. His expert way of showcasing his character's innocence is best displayed in close-ups, where the audience can see the way in which his eyes react to the violence.