Belfast

It is very easy for me to compile a list of things that I like about Kenneth Branagh's most recent film Belfast.  

I liked that the soundtrack featured so many songs by Van Morrison; partly because I love his music, but more importantly because each track so wonderfully sets the tone for the given scene.  I also liked that there was a progression to the music that matched the story arc; there is heartfelt joy in Morrison's music that brightened happy moments in the film, and soulfulness in Morrison's music that deepened the sad scenes.  

I liked that the events of the film are seen through the eyes of a child, not simply as a storytelling device, but because the storyteller experienced the events when he was a child, and it's only natural that the story be told from that perspective.  The child is both innocent, and disarmingly astute, as he has led a relatively sheltered life, but is very bright, and is treated with respect by the adults in his life.  

I liked that Branagh surrounded the child with so many influential role models; his grandparents were imperfect, and sometimes grumpy, but loving towards each other, and sacrificially caring towards their children and grandchildren.  It's refreshing to see such strong positive characters on film.

I liked that the film was projected in black and white.

I liked that the when the family goes to movies together, the movie screen is projected in color, because the most impressionable moments in life are always more vivid than everything else.

I liked that the child's mother danced, and his father sang; and it was all the more poignant that they did so at his grandfather's wake.

I like that the movie was honest.  So often films in this genre are depressing from beginning to end, i.e. Manchester by the Sea, other times they're unconvincingly positive, ie. La La Land.  Branagh found the perfect balance with Belfast.