Rating: 5 stars out of 5.
Belle is a beautiful film based on the true life of Dido Elizabeth Belle. She was born into slavery in the West Indies, the daughter of Captain, later Admiral, John Lindsay and Maria Belle. Lindsay found his daughter and took her back to England to be raised by his uncle, Lord Chief Justice William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, along with Dido's cousin Elizabeth Murray, who was only a year older.
Dido lived with her Uncle 30 years, and during this time two landmark cases about slavery came before William Murray, one of which is highlighted in the film. It is thought that these these cases were the formal end of slavery in England, and many speculated that William's niece served as influence. (Wikipedia).
Clearly parts of Dido's life is embellished, giving a possible history where there is lack. Though I would love to know everything the history books have failed to glean, Belle is a beautiful film about an amazing person.
The story telling is tight. Cinematography beautiful. Costumes and settings elegant. Acting top-notch.
I can't find a single fault in this film.
This is one of my most favorite movies in years.
(Belle may no longer be in theaters, but it will be released to video August 26.)
MPAA: Rated PG for thematic elements, some language and brief smoking images.
I'm persuaded to go see the movie.
ReplyDeleteI hope you were able to. I really quite enjoyed this period drama :0)
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