Sir Kenneth Branagh has praised "brilliant" child actor Jude Hill, who stars in his semi-autobiographical film Belfast, and revealed the special bond the youngster enjoyed with co-star Judi Dench.
Jude, 10, plays nine-year-old Buddy, a role based on Sir Kenneth himself in the film, which follows a working-class protestant family during The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
The film also stars Jamie Dornan, Ciaran Hinds, Caitriona Balfe and Judi Dench as members of Buddy’s family
Veteran actor and director Sir Kenneth told ITV's Lorraine on Wednesday morning: "He (Jude) got the part out of 300 lads who sent tapes in from all over Ireland and he has got this capacity to be really there and listening. He's funny and we knew that the film was going to play out written across his face.
"That capacity to see that sort of wonder and moment in many people's lives is another reason why people seem to be drawn to the film. It charts that moment perhaps when innocence is lost or the edges start being rubbed off and you have to start acquiring all the things that sometimes a grown up experience requires of you.
"He does that step by step and you see it happening in real time. Apart from the fact that he's a Liverpool supporter and the character really should be supporting Tottenham Hotspur, he was brilliant," he joked.
Sir Kenneth also revealed how Judi Dench, who plays Buddy's grandmother in Belfast, also enjoyed a close bond with Jude during filming.
"She has a great relationship with her own grandson and she made a beeline for young Jude Hill," he said.
"That cross generational thing when young people have a very close bond with their grandparents is something she knew and she made that an authentic experience with Jude. Their relationship on set, to see that developing, felt very authentic so she brings this enormous heart. She is very funny and she's also naughty as well!"
The film has already enjoyed success, with nominations and wins during the 2022 awards season which has been beset with delays and cancellations.
Hill has been nominated for best young actor/actress at the 27th Critics Choice awards.
Both Dornan and Hinds have received nods for best supporting actor and Balfe is nominated for best supporting actress.
The film is nominated for best overall picture, best acting ensemble, best director and best original screenplay.
Sir Kenneth said he is "thrilled" with the reviews to date.
"It's a very personal (project) and what I've been so rewarded by is just how many people themselves identify with it recognise it and get something personal for them or their experience of their family lives as well. The way it has made an impact on people who may not know much about Belfast but they know about their own lives and their own families, that has been really a great thrill."
Belfast is due to be released in the UK and Ireland this Friday, January 21.
