BELLE (2013) - Movie Review

Director: Amma Asante
Starring: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton, Sam Reid, Matthew Goode, Emily Watson, Sarah Gadon, Tom Felton, James Norton
Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
Writer: Misan Sagay
Runtime: 100 min
Rated: PG for thematic elements, some language and brief smoking images
Buy This Movie: Blu-ray (Amazon), DVD (Amazon), Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

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Synopsis:

Inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, this powerful film stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the mixed-race daughter of a British Navy officer raised by her wealthy great-uncle (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson). Although racism prevents her from enjoying the full advantages of her upbringing, Belle’s love for an idealistic young man sparks change that may impact generations to come.

Review:

"Prije and Prejudice" meets "Amistad" in Amma Asante's vivid period drama that stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the tituler Belle, full name Dido Elizabeth Belle Lindsay, the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy Captain (Matthew Goode), who is raised by her uncle Lord William Murray (Tom Wilkinson), Earl of Mansfield and Lord Chief Justice in 18th century England.

The girl is raised as a free woman and fully enjoys the benefits of aristocracy, but becomes aware of race issues when her uncle tries the case of the historical Zong massacre, in which slaves were thrown overboard a slave ship and killed so that the owners could claim insurance for the losses. Meanwhile Dido is also at an age where she is required to navigate potential relationships and marriages, a task made more difficult by the color of her skin.

A strong cast led by Mbatha-Raw's delightful performance make this movie a treat for fans of period pieces and Jane Austen flicks, while the social consciousness adds an intriguing new element to the classic romance angle without feeling shoehorned in. While based on a true story, the historical facts are sewn together with fiction, or are entirely fictional. It makes for great drama, though, and I can't fault the filmmakers for how they approached the subject. It's still much better than the fanfiction of history that is "Bridgerton".

"Belle" could have used a little more substance, and the pacing occasionally drags, which surprised me considering it's a relatively short film. Regardless, the movie tells an interesting story with lots of style and elegance, and provides good entertainment value while adding a new spin on a well-worn genre.

SCORE: 7.5/10