Kenneth Branagh has turned his filmmaking gaze on himself for his latest film, the much-buzzed-about Belfast, which is inspired by his own early upbringing in Northern Ireland. Now we have a new look at the coming-of-age drama, which stars Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench, Ciaran Hinds and newcomer Jude Hill.
Belfast is set in late 1960s Northern Ireland. At the center of the film is Buddy (Hill), a lad on the cusp of adolescence, whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance. Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his
family faces a momentous choice: hope the conflict will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life.
Shot in stark, yet warm monochrome, it's a touching story of how the troubles impact Buddy's young life and family. US audiences will get to see it on 12 November, but sadly we in the UK must wait until 25 February next year.
If you want to know more, we also talked to Branagh about why and how he made the film in our latest issue.