A young boy and his working-class Belfast family experience the tumultuous late 1960s. Drama Kenneth Branagh's film offers a glimpse into his childhood in Belfast in the late 1960s when the city was being torn apart by sectarian violence. The narrative shifts from joy and wonder to fear and uncertainty with shocking smoothness. The story is told from the perspective of a young boy, who tries to make the most of his dodgy surroundings. His school, his strict Protestant church and his family all shape his identity. Meanwhile, his parents have a tenuous hold on their home and financial situation, primarily due to the father's long history of dodging tax obligations. The mother struggles to raise her boys in a safe and stable environment, especially as she mostly is left alone with the kids due to her husband working in England. The boy's grandparents are often his closest friends much of the time as their wisdom offers him comfort. This film covers it all, a realistic and honest reflection of the instability of Belfast's neighborhoods as well as the personal challenges of dealing with uncertainty and the dwelling question of leaving or staying in one's native environment. The conclusion is impeccable and left me choking up, a feeling that lingers on as I still ponder it. With an perfectly selected Van Morrison soundtrack, this one's a winner. Highly, highly recommended.