“Made in Belfast” is a dark comedy about a man returning home to Northern Ireland, like a prodigal son. He seeks to rebuild his life, like repairing a broken toy. But the past catches up with him, like an unforgiving shadow. He must face his demons, like staring into a bottomless abyss. The film explores themes of family, violence, and redemption in a gritty and authentic way, like pulling back the curtain on a hidden world.

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Review
Made in Belfast: A Cinematic Gem That Will Steal Your Heart
In a world where every movie seems to be a superhero flick, an action-packed thriller, or a CGI-infused spectacle, it’s refreshing to come across a film that’s all about the human experience. Made in Belfast is that kind of movie – a beautiful and touching story about love, loss, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland’s capital city.
The storyline revolves around Jack Kelly (played brilliantly by Ciarán Hinds), an acclaimed architect who returns to Belfast after many years in London to receive an honorary degree from his alma mater. As he reconnects with old friends and family members, Jack finds himself facing the ghosts of his past and grappling with his identity as a Belfast native who left for greener pastures.
The news of his arrival spreads quickly through the city, and soon enough, Jack becomes embroiled in various personal and professional dramas. He reconnects with his ex-girlfriend (Gillian Anderson) who’s now married to an affluent businessman (Aidan Gillen), sparks a romance with a feisty young artist named Ali (Maryam d’Abo), and struggles to reconcile with his estranged brother (Richard Dormer).
What makes Made in Belfast so special is its nuanced portrayal of these characters – each one flawed, complex, and deeply human. There are no heroes or villains here, just people trying to navigate their way through life while grappling with their own demons.
The plot unfolds slowly but purposefully, allowing us to become fully immersed in the lives of these characters. The film is peppered with delightful surprises and poignant moments that will make you laugh, cry, and feel every emotion in between.
The cast is superb across the board – from Hinds’ understated yet powerful performance as Jack to Anderson’s heartbreaking turn as the woman he left behind. Gillen infuses his character with both charm and menace, while d’Abo brings a refreshing energy to her role as the free-spirited artist. Dormer, meanwhile, delivers a tour-de-force performance as Jack’s troubled brother who’s still dealing with the trauma of Northern Ireland’s troubled history.
The history and culture of Belfast are also major players in the film – from the city’s stunning architecture to its bustling pubs and vibrant street art. The score, composed by Belfast-born musician David Holmes, perfectly captures the city’s grit and beauty.
Despite its many virtues, Made in Belfast flew under the radar when it was released back in 2013. It received limited distribution and didn’t make much of an impact at the box office. However, its popularity has grown steadily through word-of-mouth and critical acclaim.
The film was shot on location in Belfast over a six-week period, with director Paul Kennedy working closely with local crews and artists to capture the city’s unique spirit on camera. The cinematography is stunning throughout – from sweeping aerial shots of Belfast’s skyline to intimate close-ups of its residents.
In terms of awards recognition, Made in Belfast didn’t receive much attention upon its release. However, it was nominated for Best Irish Feature at the Galway Film Fleadh and won Best Irish Film at the Dublin Film Critics’ Circle Awards.
Critics have been overwhelmingly positive about the film since its release – with many praising its sensitive portrayal of complex characters and its masterful use of setting to drive the narrative forward.
Some have criticized the film for being too slow-paced or overly sentimental. However, these criticisms feel misplaced given that Made in Belfast is a deliberate character study that refuses to rely on cheap thrills or gimmicks to capture our attention.
In terms of special effects or flashy visuals, Made in Belfast doesn’t rely on any gimmicks or technology tricks – just honest storytelling that will stay with you long after you leave the theater.
Overall, Made in Belfast is a cinematic gem that deserves to be seen by a wider audience. It’s a film that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable – a testament to the power of storytelling and the human spirit. As Jack Kelly remarks in one of the film’s most poignant moments: “This city has a way of getting under your skin… it’s beautiful and terrible all at once.” Made in Belfast captures that sentiment perfectly and will steal your heart along the way.
Technical Data

- Runtime : 83
- Release : 2013-04-11
- Genre : Drama, Romance
- Cast : Ciarán McMenamin as Jack Kelly, Shauna Macdonald as Alice, Kevin Keenan as Aristophanes, Shaun Blaney as Petesy, Roisin Gallagher as Charlene
- Crew : Paul Kennedy as Director, Paul Kennedy as Writer
- Popularity 1.4
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company :
- Summary : Jack Kelly is a successful novelist who leads a reclusive life in his apartment in Paris. His first novel, Made in Belfast, was a critical and commercial success – there was only one problem: it exposed the private lives and innermost secrets of his close friends and family, and none of them have spoken to him since he ran away. But when circumstances conspire to bring him back to his hometown for a few days, he decides to spend that time putting things right with the friends he betrayed, the brother he abandoned, and the fiancée he jilted.
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