Belfast is one of the most promising releases of the year and is already generating Oscar buzz. But what sets it apart from other successful and stream-worthy period piece movies is its authenticity. The film is semi-autobiographical and partly based on Kenneth Branagh's own childhood, so the director was able to portray lived experiences for his audience.

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Despite the difficult subject, Belfast does not take itself too seriously. Instead, it's about a family who, despite being in the midst of a civil war, find ways to spend time together and be a part of a community. There's a refreshing sense of harmony and togetherness running throughout the plot and this is reflected best in the dialogue.

When Granny Teaches Buddy Why His Roots Are Important

"What Makes Each Story Different Is Not How It Ends, But Rather Where It Begins"

A collage of Jamie Dornan in a bus marked airport and Judi Dench in a hat and glasses in Belfast

The idea of one's roots is at the core of Belfast's narrative since the movie was conceived as a coming-of-age drama. Judi Dench plays Buddy's grandmother, who had a huge influence on his childhood. These words were spoken by his granny and heard in the trailer.

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They worked great to capture the film's essence because clearly Belfast is hugely anchored to Branagh's personal experiences and as a period piece, it sheds some light on something that isn't talked about a lot in pop culture. Granny's words to Buddy about the significance of his roots are very crucial to the film's narrative.

When Buddy's Grandfather Teaches Him To Be True To Himself

"If They Can't Understand You, They're Not Listening."

Pop smiling in the doorway in Belfast

Some movie quotes give audience members chills years after their release, and this may just be one of them. In the film, Branagh mainly tries to capture how certain minorities can feel disenfranchised or misunderstood over cultural and linguistic differences. The film takes place during The Troubles, which was an ethno-nationalist conflict.

Buddy, who is Protestant, experiences certain forms of discrimination in school. These words were uttered by his grandfather, who tries to help Buddy find his own footing by pointing out that he does not have to change who he is just to fit in.

When Auntie Violet Tries To Make The Best Of A Bad Situation

"The Irish Were Born For Leaving, Otherwise The Rest Of The World Would Have No Pubs."

Jude Hill runs through the street holding a fake sword and shield in Belfast (2021)

Despite being a drama, Belfast boasts terrific self-awareness; even the most moving moments in the film come from a place of authenticity, which is what makes the movie so watchable. The humor in the film is very subtle, organic and focused.

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This quote alludes to the tradition of emigration that has existed in Ireland for centuries. To viewers, it could be sensitive or touchy material, but Branagh tries to inculcate his perspective via humor.

When Pa Teaches Buddy That There Should Be No Divide

"There Is No Our Side And Their Side On Our Street"

Will, Moira, and Buddy running in Belfast

Buddy's father has always been a positive and empowering influence on him. He is a family man, so he clearly has a lot to lose. Though he isn't particularly rebellious, he does take a firm stand and does not back down from conflict, especially when it comes to protecting his family.

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He has to parent an impressionable child during a particularly challenging crisis and this is reflected in his character design and he consistently tries to convey to his son that it's wrong to create a divide, as seen in this quote.

When Ma Gets Emotional About Having To Move

"I Know Nothing Else But Belfast"

Caitriona Balfe stars as "Ma" in director Kenneth Branagh's Belfast

Buddy's family has been in Belfast for generations, which is what made the city such a crucial part of his overall arc. His mother and father had never lived anywhere else. During a particularly emotional scene, Buddy's mother shares that she has only ever known one place her entire life.

The film addresses the notions of community and the realities of migration since, at the end of the film, Buddy's family does relocate. His mother's words shed a light on how challenging it can be for families to leave behind their homes.

When Pa Talks About The Importance Of Staying Together

"I Want My Family With Me. I Want You."

Pa talking to Ma in Belfast

Belfast's authenticity as a family narrative makes it a terrific film. Even in the middle of a civil war or strife, families still have milestone moments and experience happiness. Branagh attempts to hold up a realistic portrait of a family that is caught in the middle of social tumult and yet the members find opportunities to be with each other or hold on to a sense of normalcy.

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This also made it hard for them to separate. When Buddy's father tells his mom that, in the end, he wants his family to stay together, it made for a poignant moment.

When Buddy Learns The Importance Of Where He's From

"You're Buddy From Belfast, Where Everybody Knows Ya."

Jude Hill holds up a fake sword and shield among other children in Belfast (2021)

The film explores the meaning of a community and also takes a good look at the challenges of raising a child in a volatile social environment. Even as a kid, Buddy was aware that his family wasn't welcome in certain circles in his town and that he may not have the freedom to mingle freely with all children.

His parents and grandparents worked towards instilling a sense of identity in him by consistently telling him how much he means to his family and making him see that his origins and culture will always be a part of him.

When Pa Gives Buddy Some Sound Advice

"Be Good Son. And If You Can't Be Good, Be Careful."

Catherine with Buddy in class in Belfast

Buddy's Pa knew that Buddy was a precocious kid and learned from his surroundings quickly, so even when he was young, his father would give him rather adult advice. In a way, he realized that Buddy was more perceptive than other kids his own age. These words were spoken by Pa almost jokingly as he saw Buddy take off for school.

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Buddy's Pa was a non-conformist and believed that sometimes breaking rules was crucial. To convey this balance to Buddy was, of course, difficult since he was just a kid. These lines may come across as quite innocent, but they hold a lot of weight for the viewers, especially regarding the values Buddy's Pa wanted to instill in him.

When Buddy's Grandfather Tries To Encourage The Family To Leave

"Belfast Will Still Be Here When You Get Back."

Judi Dench as "Granny", Jude Hill as "Buddy" and Ciarán Hinds as "Pop" in director Kenneth Branagh’s BELFAST

Branagh has described Belfast as his most personal film yet, as reported by Indiewire, so many emotions and perspectives in the film have been borrowed from his own experiences as a child. They reflect what Buddy or perhaps Branagh himself had hoped would be the outcome for his family, who had to move to Britain.

Some of the most memorable lines in the film offer an impassioned but realistic outlook on how emigration affects families. These lines were uttered by Buddy's grandfather, who was ailing and was looking for a way to convince Buddy and his parents to leave town, which would explain why he would choose a message of reassurance for his emotional grandson.

When Granny Also Tells The Family To Leave

"Go Now. Don't Look Back."

Belfast movie

There are a few lines in the film that encapsulate the spirit of its narrative. Buddy's grandparents had to face the tough reality that their family could not stay together. This hardened them in a significant way, as they wanted desperately to protect their children and their grandson.

These lines were uttered by Buddy's grandmother to his father during a riot, but in essence, they give away the crux of the plot since Buddy's family and Branagh's real family eventually did move from Ireland and left their homes behind for a new life in England.

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