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Belle (2013)
Director: Amma Asante
Writer: Misan Sagay
Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Matthew Goode, Emily Watson
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Based on the real life story of a young girl, Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) who's the mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. She's raised during her fathers absences by her prominent and wealthy great uncle, who's the highest judge in Britain.
The movie takes place in 18th century England, and is not what you are expecting. Most likely you think this is going to explore racism and bigotry. And you might expect to see the people of 18th century London hurling insults and dirty water at Belle. It would have been easy for a film maker to craft a film like that and get maximum emotional appeal from the audience.
Instead the film takes a much more positive look at the life of Belle. Yes, she does meet resistance due to her mixed race and yes there are a couple of bigoted people, but most of the people we see in the film love and respect her. Her half sister loves her, as does her great uncle who raises her. She is courted and found a beauty by two prominent men. I liked that the movies positive message is focused on the good that is in most people's heart. Of course she does meet the a few people who are antagonistic of her, but she handles them with class and poise.
Maybe it's the romantic in me, but I was glad to see Belle succeed and rise above any discrimination she might have faced. The best thing I can say about this film is it's intelligently written and does not manipulate the audiences feelings unduly.
Belle (2013)
Writer: Misan Sagay
Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Matthew Goode, Emily Watson
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Based on the real life story of a young girl, Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) who's the mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. She's raised during her fathers absences by her prominent and wealthy great uncle, who's the highest judge in Britain.
The movie takes place in 18th century England, and is not what you are expecting. Most likely you think this is going to explore racism and bigotry. And you might expect to see the people of 18th century London hurling insults and dirty water at Belle. It would have been easy for a film maker to craft a film like that and get maximum emotional appeal from the audience.
Instead the film takes a much more positive look at the life of Belle. Yes, she does meet resistance due to her mixed race and yes there are a couple of bigoted people, but most of the people we see in the film love and respect her. Her half sister loves her, as does her great uncle who raises her. She is courted and found a beauty by two prominent men. I liked that the movies positive message is focused on the good that is in most people's heart. Of course she does meet the a few people who are antagonistic of her, but she handles them with class and poise.
Maybe it's the romantic in me, but I was glad to see Belle succeed and rise above any discrimination she might have faced. The best thing I can say about this film is it's intelligently written and does not manipulate the audiences feelings unduly.