In 'Belfast' based on a true story, the city is depicted as a character in itself. It shows the daily life in Belfast, from the markets where people shopped to the schools where children studied. The movie also portrays the city's architecture, which might have been damaged during the unrest. It shows how the people of Belfast had a strong connection to their city despite all the problems. It doesn't shy away from showing the dark side of the city, like the areas where violence was more prevalent, but also shows the areas where there was hope and a sense of community.
It portrays the city as a place full of complex emotions. There is both the beauty of the community and the underlying tension due to the Troubles.