Sarah Gadon as “Elizabeth Murray” and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as “Dido Elizabeth Belle”
I went in to this movie with high expectations, and Amma Asante did not disappoint. Set in the late 1700s and based on a true story, Belle tells the story of Dido, a young girl of mixed race who is sent to live with the privileged family of her birth father after her “mulatto” mother dies. In a society where her linage leaves her stranded in the middle of two classes, Dido leads a confusing life. She has certain privileges due to her father’s wealth and social status, yet her skin, reflecting some of her mother’s darker tone, restricts her from being completely part of high society. This only gets more complicated when Dido’s father leaves her a considerable dowry, making her a “good match” yet still not putting her on par societally with her peers. Social rank and reputation are in flux, and race is always in the back of your mind.
This film is not only about one girl. It is a glimpse into the issue of slavery in 18th century England; the head of Dido’s family is a justice of the Head Court of England and is dealing with a crucial case regarding treatment of slaves. Not only did the result of this case shape the future of England, but it plays a major part in Dido’s relationship with her uncle.
I was blown away by Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s powerful portrayal of Dido. Her frustration and hopelessness is brilliantly shown in a haunting scene where Dido pulls and beats at her skin, wishing there was a way to change. Tom Wilkinson also gives an excellent performance as Lord Mansfield, head of Dido’s family, and Miranda Richardson plays the manipulative and ambitious Lady Ashford extremely well.
As a whole, Belle is a great film. It deals with heavy moral issues: finding your place in a world and overcoming obstacles to stay true to yourself and your beliefs. The humorous moments are well-scattered throughout the movie, making it lighter than you may expect. You’ll find yourself cheering for Dido and her sharp wit throughout the entire film.
Grade: A
This film is not only about one girl. It is a glimpse into the issue of slavery in 18th century England; the head of Dido’s family is a justice of the Head Court of England and is dealing with a crucial case regarding treatment of slaves. Not only did the result of this case shape the future of England, but it plays a major part in Dido’s relationship with her uncle.
I was blown away by Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s powerful portrayal of Dido. Her frustration and hopelessness is brilliantly shown in a haunting scene where Dido pulls and beats at her skin, wishing there was a way to change. Tom Wilkinson also gives an excellent performance as Lord Mansfield, head of Dido’s family, and Miranda Richardson plays the manipulative and ambitious Lady Ashford extremely well.
As a whole, Belle is a great film. It deals with heavy moral issues: finding your place in a world and overcoming obstacles to stay true to yourself and your beliefs. The humorous moments are well-scattered throughout the movie, making it lighter than you may expect. You’ll find yourself cheering for Dido and her sharp wit throughout the entire film.
Grade: A
RSS Feed
