Yes to No

Interesting story well told. The ending simplifies the truth somewhat as it took a further 2 years for Pinochet to step down, and of course the campaigns were more complex - the 'Joy is Coming' (translated as 'Happiness is coming'in the film was only one element - although undoubtably an important one.

 But allowing for the need to produce a coherent narrative from a very complex reality this film does a good job of telling its story and giving a glimpse of what it is like to overthrow a totalitarian regime when the opportunity presents itself

No joy to be found on this dismal ride

One star for being Irish and another for being mildly amusing at times - but it doesn't really deserve 2 stars.

Incoherent storyline, cartoonish characters, poorly directed, it is almost complete rubbish. 

Sound so poor we had to turn on the hard-of-hearing subtitles to catch what they were saying - not that they were saying anything very interesting. The oirishness was dialled up to 11 and frankly irritating, Photography competent though.

The director should go back to documentaries, and the writer should try a different line of work. You shouldn't waste your time watching it, its not even bad enough towe worth seeing it to laugh at.

Growing up in a time of troubles

D0 not watch the "alternative ending" on the DVD - its a Kenneth Branagh wank. Aside from that it is probably the best film he has ever been involved with. Great music from Van the Man as well.

It quite a gentle drama of family life in a poor initially unsegregated area of Belfast in the 1960s. Possibly a somewhat romanticised view of community before neo-liberalism destroyed everything, but the characters are good and interesting and the boy Buddy (Jude Hill) is excellent. Its a story of those who ultimately decided to leave, rather than delving into the politics or the lives of those who decided to stay.

Charming rather than gritty social-realism, but that can be okay - there are other films about the harder side of The Troubles.