A very solid if unremarkable coming of age film set during the Irish troubles of 1969.

This movie was very reminiscent of the 1987 film "Hope and Glory," only that film was much better. In fact, this movie reminded me a lot of the kinds of films that came out in the late 80s and throughout the 90s, accomplished and pleasing Oscar bait movies that gave not especially sophisticated adult film audiences products that were good and substantial enough to make them feel like they were seeing something important but safe enough to never make them feel challenged or threatened.

For me, what gave "Belfast" its heart was not the central story about a little boy and the parents who want to give him a better life than war-torn Ireland allows, but rather the side story about the enduring love between his grandparents, played by Ciaran Hinds and Judi Dench. The best scenes in the movie were the ones featuring those two, and Dench's scene at the end is the one that lingered with me most. I was thrilled to pieces when both of them were recognized with Academy Award nominations.

Grade: A-

Belfast is a phenomenal drama that's really funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking whilst also feeling deeply personal for writer/director Kenneth Branagh. A film that's easily one of his best.

Jude Hill gives an incredible lead performance full of the necessary warmth, joy and adorable naivety. Caitriona Balfe gives the standout performance and Jamie Dornan finally has a role that shows what he can really do. Judi Dench and Ciarán Hinds are wholesome scene stealers.

Kenneth Branagh's direction is outstanding, consistently beautifully framed with every single one looking amazing with the transition from colour to black and white really working. The soundtrack is great and adds a lot to the more emotional moments.

This film was funny, heartfelt, sad and scary all in one. Although it is based at the start of the troubles the film didn't fully focus on the terror those times caused. It was good to see the Northern Irish humour being portrayed. Belfast isn't just about bombs and religion.

For those distraught about the film being black and white. Seriously?! I didn't even notice after about the 30seconds. It brought the film to its time and gave it charm. In all a great, mostly, light film based around a horrible time in Belfast.