Belle is an enlightening film about Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the bi-racial daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral and her struggle with race, class and gender in the 18th century. Born of a slave from the West Indies, she was left in squalor when her mother died. But unlike most offspring from such relations that were often left behind, Dido was claimed by her father, Captain Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode) and brought to live with his Great Uncle, Lord Chief Justice of England Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) his wife (Emily Watson) and half-cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray (Sarah Gadon).
Dido’s story came to be after screenwriter, Misan Sagay came across a painting of Belle and Elizabeth while touring the Scone Palace in Scotland. Since it was uncommon to depict two girls, one black and one white, enjoying each other’s company during a time when most Blacks were slaves and portrayed as such, Sagay became instantly enthralled by the portrait and was inspired to tell the story behind it.
- Portrait of Dido Elizabeth Belle (1761-1804) and her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray (1760-1825)
But this tale wouldn't be the fine piece of work it is without director Amma Asante’s pristine attention to detail or Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s captivating performance.
Mbatha-Raw, who some may recall from Doctor Who and Touch, plays the title role effortlessly. Before we are graced with her presence, the film opens with the younger Dido (Lauren Julien-Box). Once at the Mansfield estate, Dido quickly bonds with her cousin Elizabeth, who was left there after her mother died and father remarried.
It isn’t until Dido matures to adulthood that she is made aware of the way the world sees her. Not permitted to dine with family while guests were present, she is free to join them in the parlor for post dinner activities. “How can I be too high in rank to dine with the servants but too low to dine with the family?” She asks with great annoyance.
Even her father’s inheritance can’t afford her equal treatment. But it can land her a husband. Enter Lady Ashford (Miranda Richardson) and her two sons Oliver (James Norton) and James (
Draco Malfoy Tom Felton). The Ashfords aren’t that well off, but Dido is. Because of this fact, mother Ashford is willing to allow her youngest son, Oliver to marry the Mulatto. Brother James does not approve of this union however and is very vocal about it.
While all of this is going on, Dido’s uncle is investigating the deaths of 142 African slaves who had been thrown overboard a slave ship while in transit. When the ship’s insurance company refused to pay the 30 pounds per slave, the owners brought the insurer to court.
This is where the main love interest comes in. John Davinier (Sam Reid), a passionate human rights activist, falls for the beautiful Dido while trying to convince Lord Mansfield to rule against the slave owners.
During the Zong investigation, Dido embraces her African heritage and she too speaks out against slavery and the owners in this case. Will her passionate words influence her uncle's final decision in the case? You'll have to watch the film to find out.
Belle tackles race, gender and class without being overbearing. And as a Jane Austen fan, I loved the wardrobe and language. Plus it was nice to see a woman of color in a period film who wasn't enslaved, yet was still very socially aware. The only issues I had with the film, was that the ending was a tad melodramatic and the pacing was a bit sluggish. But neither faults prevented me from enjoying the movie as a whole.
It is my hope Belle's success will inspire more films where the leading actress isn't necessarily Mia Wasikowska or Keira Knightly. A few years ago, Naomie Harris (Skyfall, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest) expressed interest in producing a Jane Austen film with a Black cast. I would love for that project to happen!
Belle, rated PG, opens this week. Make sure to catch it.
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