Belle- A Movie Review

Hello!  In yesterday's post, I mentioned that I saw a really interesting and riveting movie.  That movie was Belle.  Now I will keep this brief because 1) there are many professional critic reviews and 2) I don't want to provide theme spoilers.

Belle is based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle of England. 

From Wikipedia (linking here because it gives the plot without spoilers!):

Dido Belle (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy officer, is brought to England by her father and left in the care of his uncle, Lord Mansfield, the Lord Chief Justice, at his estate of Kenwood House. Though the social mores of the time make her an outsider, Dido is raised by Mansfield as an aristocrat alongside her cousin Elizabeth. Dido's burgeoning relationship with a young lawyer, John Davinier, meets with the disapproval of Mansfield who considers the match beneath her. At the same time Mansfield is deliberating on a slavery case that will advance the cause of the Abolitionists.

What I love about this film is that it explores race and class and the part that both play in society.  The film is based on a true story, inspired a 1779 painting of Dido and Elizabeth, and is such an interesting tale. Granted this is set back in Great Britain in the 1700s, however, many of the issues are still relevant today.  Dido was brought up more fortunate than others with her skin tone at the time due to her class standing.  However, she wasn't afforded the same experiences due to prejudicial attitudes towards her race.  There is a very interesting parallel between Dido and her cousin Elizabeth's journeys as well. Though current structure is drastically different, I can relate in some ways as a middle-class woman of color in 21st century America.  Education and career would dictate one path whereas prejudices and negative assumptions based on my my skin tone might be the stumbling blocks.  However, just as in the film, there are many people who will overlook race and whatnot and accept you and are attracted to you.  Blog lesson of the day:  Color doesn't define you, character does!

This movie is everything- a historical period piece, drama, and romance all in one.  The lead actors all give great performances as well.  Side note:  They are gorgeous!  Just Google the actors playing Dido, Elizabeth and John Davinier.  Running time is about a hour and 40 minutes and every minute is captivating!  I'm also loving that the director of this film is English of Ghanian descent.  Ms. Amma Asante, you are awesome.  I sincerely hope to this movie receiving big love at the next film award season.