Belfast
Seen it?2021 | 98 min | Drama, History
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It won an Oscar and it earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes). A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved I Swear or All the Way, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 38 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
Buddy is a young boy 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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Original Screenplay. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Screenplay. Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Film Award: Outstanding British Film. Won 3 Critics' Choice Awards: Critics' Choice Awards: Best Young Performer, Critics' Choice Awards: Best Acting Ensemble, Critics' Choice Awards: Best Original Screenplay. Also nominated for 6 more Oscars, 5 more Golden Globes and 2 SAG Awards. Plus 7 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$49 million worldwide on a $11 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 280K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
I Swear
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed historical drama.
Munich - The Edge of War
Sunday Safe BetAnother historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
All the Way Saturday SpecialAnother historical drama that's easy to miss.
A Call to Spy
Weeknight WatchAnother historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Best of Enemies Sunday Safe BetAnother historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
- Jude HillBuddy
- Jamie DornanPa
- Caitríona BalfeMa
- Lewis McAskieWill
- Judi DenchGranny
- Ciarán HindsPop
- Lara McDonnellMoira
- Colin MorganBilly Clanton
- Gerard HoranMackie
- Josie WalkerAuntie Violet