A semi-autobiographical black-and-white film about a boy growing up in Belfast amid The Troubles tops the DVD releases for the week of March 1.
"Belfast": Sir Kenneth Branagh's memoir of growing up in Northern Ireland in the late '60s, starring Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench, Ciaran Hinds and newcomer Jude Hill as the young Buddy.
"Set in 1969, during the early years of The Troubles, Buddy’s hometown has become a battlefield, a war waged street to street and house to house, with car bombs and Molotov cocktails," writes Tribune News Service critic Katie Walsh in her review. "Against this backdrop of civil war and conflict, life goes on. The family still loves and plays and parties and learns and laughs together, but the constant thrum of helicopters and armed military is ever present. Familial conflicts play out against this backdrop too, though they are inextricably connected with The Troubles."
The movie has been nominated for seven Oscars at this month's ceremony, including for best picture and Branagh for best director. Walsh agreed with the Academy's assessment, writing "Branagh, as Buddy, bares his soul in 'Belfast,' which richly rewards if you’re willing to take this trip down memory lane."
ALSO NEW ON DVD MARCH 1
"Demonic": Horror film from writer-director Neill Blomkamp in which a young woman unleashes terrifying demons when the supernatural forces responsible for a rift between mother and daughter are revealed.
"Run & Gun": A former criminal turned citizen is blackmailed into performing one last job, collecting a mysterious package, and subsequently finds himself on the run in this action thriller.
"The Pilot: A Battle for Survival": Russian World War II drama about a Soviet pilot fighting to survive after getting shot down amid the Nazi advance on the eastern front in 1941.
OUT ON DIGITAL HD MARCH 1
"Citizen Ashe": Documentary exploring the legacy of tennis legend and humanitarian Arthur Ashe, following his evolution from Grand Slam champion to global activist against a tumultuous backdrop that included the civil rights movement, South African apartheid and the AIDS epidemic.
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