Amma Asante’s Belle, starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, is film perfection. Belle is inspired by the real life story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the beautiful mixed-race illegitimate daughter of Royal Navy Admiral Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode). Belle lived in the 18th century in the royal Kenwood House under the guardianship of her great uncle William Murray, the First Earl of Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson). Lord Mansfield, the Chief Justice, is depicted as deeply fond of his niece, Dido, and it has been said that the events in his personal life influenced how he presided over many historical events that would later affect the future of slaves and the entire slave trade.
This film presents an eloquent and intelligent portrayal of a mixed race woman who is the heir to a portion of her father’s money and who lives as a family member within the royal home of her father’s relatives. Amma Asante and the writer of the screenplay, Misan Sagay, archive the history of this woman’s life with great attention to detail and with intuitive sensitivity towards history. It definitely does not hurt that both the director and screenwriter are women.
While most major films succumb to the “tragic mulatto” stereotype when depicting mixed-race women, or images that only present the history of the descendents of Africa to be “in chains”; Belle gives an honest depiction of the life of a beautiful aristocrat, whose background (her mother was a slave) presented challenges as well. Belle lived in the Kenwood House not as a house-slave, but as a family member and lady’s companion to her cousin, Lady Elizabeth Murray (Sarah Gadon). And yet, she was not allowed to eat with the family when guests came to dine which was the protocol of this time period. This film does not present Dido Elizabeth Lindsay in an overly sexualized manner, but rather as a gracious and skilled young woman who had her choice in suitors. She eventually ends up with a true gentleman, Davinier (played with amazing vulnerability and passion by newcomer Sam Reid), who loved all of Dido Elizabeth Belle Lindsay, including her history.
In the social and economic climate of late 18th century England, Belle’s uncle was a central figure. As Chief Justice, he had the power to overthrow many oppressive laws, showing how genuine concern for humanity and seeing people as people, and not property can truly re-shape history. The film depicts with care the plight of a wealthy European family that chose to accept their mixed race niece into their home despite the status quo. Often doing what is humane and right is in juxtaposition with the social norm.
While there were several standout performances within this cast, the two newcomers, Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle) and Sam Reid (Davinier) are to be noted.
Note: This review originally appeared in 2014 here.
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