Belle (2013)

Initially I was excited to see this movie because of Matthew Goode, even though I realized that he only plays a minor role in this film. After seeing the trailer however, the film flew towards the top of my "to watch" list. It still managed to exceed my expectations - interesting, well paced storyline, incredible cast (Tom Wilkinson was absolutely brilliant), intricate and beautiful costumes - definitely a movie that will be enjoyed even by those who are not big fans of period pieces.

The fact that the movie was based on a true story just made it even more impactful. Dido Elizabeth Belle is left in England by her loving Admiral father, to be raised by her aristocratic aunt and uncle - at a time in history when wealth and social standing could not overshadow the fact that she was a mixed race, illegitimate child. Belle's story of trying to figure out her place in the world and in her family unravels beautifully alongside a closer and deeper look at the racism and sexism plaguing the British society at the time. Add a dash of romance and the result is a beautiful film definitely worth watching.

Fmovies: I was so excited when I found a little indie theater 40 minutes away was airing Belle. I already knew I wanted to see this film by virtue of it being a historical drama/romance that put a biracial woman front and center. I love period films, but as a genre they are sorely lacking representation of POC characters. I walked out of the theater stunned at this passionate story of love, justice, acceptance, and society. It's slow-burning, to be sure. I was getting worried the first half hour. It seemed like this would be a black and white (no pun intended) morality play of good, open-hearted people pitted against evil racists. It's true that some characters fall plainly on one side or another, but as the movie goes on, the roles start to become blurred. It becomes a story of people who are caught between the clear-cut lines society has placed. If you can find a theater playing Belle, go see it as soon as possible. Films like this deserve all the attention they can get.

• A love story and the value of being honest to yourself is what Belle is about. This movie transports you to the 1700s England. Based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle "Belle", this tale is about a young mulato girl named Belle that is brought into her father's house and caretaker of her great-uncle Lord Mansfield a honorable Chief Judge and wife. Belle has all the rights and privileges of upper society but her face reflects her slave mother and the prevailing social prejudice keeps her from being totally accepted into the formal social circles. At the same time, she befriends her cousin, who she considers a sister and is also given residence to this estate after her mother dies and her father abandons her. This story is beautifully layered with the issues of equality and slavery but is not preachy. It merely shows how the matters of the heart can't be prevented by the color of your skin. This coming of age story is masterfully told. I saw this film as part of the Atlanta Film Festival.

Belle fmovies. I'm a film lover who's encouraged to see a story that reveals a piece of the history so often ignored. "Belle" is based on a true story. Since the history of slavery is not taught, films that deal with it - when done well - can be not only entertaining but also instructive. We need these stories! "Belle" is surprising, a piece in the grand puzzle of the history of the slave trade and its impact on the lives of all manner of people. Tom Wilkinson is as always wonderful... The other actors are all just fine. Gugu is lovely as Dido. The hypocrisy of the British upper class is on full display. The Zong Slave ship case is threaded through this film and opens another door on the horrors of the slave trade. That case alone deserves its own film but it would probably be too horrible to watch! I was reminded of all the pained experiences black children endured as they attempted to integrate public schools. The insults and denigration, the racist assumptions hurled at these students were nightmarish. Being the only black person in a sea of whites to this day can be challenging. "Belle" allows us to see and to imagine what that was like in England in the late 1700's. "Belle" was a blood relative and still she could not sit at the dinner table if guests were dining. There's much to learn here, much to think about.

...that Peter Saunders must have been watching a different movie. I don't agree with him at all. I enjoyed this movie to the fullest. Though the ending was a bit predictable, the acting, sets (incredible), and story were wonderful. The costume designer should win an award...As well as the set designer. Don't let his review keep you from seeing this film. Watch it, enjoy it, and see for yourself if you like it. Seven bucks well spent. If you like period pieces, go see it. The sets alone are worth the trip. And the lead actress was both beautiful and played her role very well. Maybe there weren't enough explosions or CGI to make Peter happy...

This movie is most likely not playing at a theater near you, but it is so worth traveling to see. The acting was superb! I don't remember a movie in recent times that I enjoyed so much. The story touched my heart as a person of mixed African descent. It showed how then and now too much emphasis is placed on skin color. It showcased people (both white and black) that were willing to stand up for what is right. I don't find this kind of movie to be controversial as it will do so much to enlighten people to historical facts that cannot be denied.

The costumes were so beautiful and some were on display at the Landmark Theater in Los Angeles. The audience clapped and cheered at the end of the movie and were raving about the movie as they left the theater.