Cert 15
84 mins
BBFc advice: Contains strong language
When I saw the publicity material for I Am Belfast, I had a vision that it would be similar to Terence Davies' magnificent Of Time And The City - the cinematographic lover letter to his hometown of Liverpool.
Indeed, some elements bear comparison artistically but this film is much more in the style of A Story Of Children And Film, the previous piece by its director Mark Cousins.
Like many fellow citizens of Northern Ireland's capital, Cousins left the city many years ago to follow his dreams.
Therefore, instead of describing it himself, he puts many of the words into the mouth of an actress (Helena Bereen) who, intriguingly, plays Belfast itself as an old woman.
She narrates and gives answers to his questions about the place of his birth and etches the beauty of its surroundings against its tumultuous recent history.
I confess that I am fascinated by The Troubles so was hoping for contributions from those who were affected by either side.
But, with hindsight, I think an independent glance at the conflict while exploring the wider definition of Belfast's people was correct.
Cousins' documentaries will not be for everyone. There is a good deal of unnecessary camera lingering which can be frustrating.
But he does dip into arenas which will be unknown to most of his audience and, in the case of those from Belfast, will prompt more of a knowing smile than a tear.
My favourite scene was a interview with two twinkling old women who use the f-word with machine gun rapidity.
But this is unusual because, otherwise, there is a mastery of language as well as vision in Cousins' movies.
On the whole, both Mrs W and I gave this latest one our approval.
Reasons to watch: if you have an affinity to Belfast
Reasons to avoid: it does lean towards the poetic more than the factual
Laughs: one
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7/10
Star tweet
mark cousins Just danced to Scott Walker No Regrets played by David Holmes as Creature frm Black Lagoon played on big screen..#IAmBelfast #didIDreamThat?
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