A few days ago, I had the pleasure of seeing the beautiful (or 'belle') movie "Belle," which is based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate child of Admiral Sir John Lindsay, to an African mother during the 18th century. She was brought up by her great uncle, Lord Mansfield, who was described as the most powerful man in Britain at the time- apart from the king- due to his position as the highest judge. I don't really know the technical terms of the legal system, so I'm sorry that I'm going to be sounding pretty amateurish when describing the film. In fact, I'm going to sound amateurish when I say that the style of film reminded me of a Jane Austen type of story, as it is set during those times, with the views of society, the mannerisms and the obsession with finding a husband that is of a suitable rank present.
Because of her being a 'child of colour,' despite her aristocratic background, Belle- or as she is called in the film, Dido- is judged by others in society, as she is caught in between the two worlds of the privileged and those who were considered insignificant. And the film captures this tension perfectly, especially the scenes between the characters Dido (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and James Ashford (Tom Felton), who, like many others of that time, was disgusted by the sight of her in such high society.
It is shocking to think that the injustice brought upon people of African heritage actually happened, their mistreatment was absolutely terrible, so it was reassuring that the movie allowed for the opportunity for the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle to be told. And it was executed in an absolutely flawless way.
The story is not just about Dido's place in society, and of her trying to find where she fit in, as she states in the movie "How may I be too high in rank to dine with the servants but too low to dine with my family?" but also focusses on the 'Zong case,' which is one of the most consequential cases to be brought before a court, as it was the mediator that started the abolishment of slave trading in Britain. The 'Zong Massacre' was in 1781, and (in brief), it involved the murder of slaves on a ship because they were diseased, and the traders thought they would earn more money to send the slaves overboard and to claim that it was due to not having enough water and sacrifices had to be made, as opposed to trying to sell diseased "merchandise." The Zong Massacre had just occurred in the duration of when the film is set, and Lord Mansfield was the judge to decide whether the insurance company should pay for the deaths. And this affected the relationship he had with Dido, who wanted to help prove that what happened was murder and that the insurance company shouldn't pay. And in the process, she becomes close to the man who wanted the slaves to find justice, John Davinier (Sam Reid), creating another complicated relationship between her and what society believes her future should hold.
One of the most powerful and moving scenes for me, was when Dido is looking at herself in the mirror and begins scratching and clawing at her skin, with such frustration and passion, that it makes your heart break watching.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and thought it so exquisite with it's attention to detail, both in story/ script, but also in the set and costumes. I highly recommend watching it, as it is based on a true story, and is so much more intricate in story lines and in relationships, which I haven't even touched on. For example, there is the sweet sisterly relationship Dido has with her cousin, as well as many others. It is an all star cast, and the acting is truly incredible. It is a must see film.
Because of her being a 'child of colour,' despite her aristocratic background, Belle- or as she is called in the film, Dido- is judged by others in society, as she is caught in between the two worlds of the privileged and those who were considered insignificant. And the film captures this tension perfectly, especially the scenes between the characters Dido (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and James Ashford (Tom Felton), who, like many others of that time, was disgusted by the sight of her in such high society.It is shocking to think that the injustice brought upon people of African heritage actually happened, their mistreatment was absolutely terrible, so it was reassuring that the movie allowed for the opportunity for the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle to be told. And it was executed in an absolutely flawless way.
The story is not just about Dido's place in society, and of her trying to find where she fit in, as she states in the movie "How may I be too high in rank to dine with the servants but too low to dine with my family?" but also focusses on the 'Zong case,' which is one of the most consequential cases to be brought before a court, as it was the mediator that started the abolishment of slave trading in Britain. The 'Zong Massacre' was in 1781, and (in brief), it involved the murder of slaves on a ship because they were diseased, and the traders thought they would earn more money to send the slaves overboard and to claim that it was due to not having enough water and sacrifices had to be made, as opposed to trying to sell diseased "merchandise." The Zong Massacre had just occurred in the duration of when the film is set, and Lord Mansfield was the judge to decide whether the insurance company should pay for the deaths. And this affected the relationship he had with Dido, who wanted to help prove that what happened was murder and that the insurance company shouldn't pay. And in the process, she becomes close to the man who wanted the slaves to find justice, John Davinier (Sam Reid), creating another complicated relationship between her and what society believes her future should hold.One of the most powerful and moving scenes for me, was when Dido is looking at herself in the mirror and begins scratching and clawing at her skin, with such frustration and passion, that it makes your heart break watching.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and thought it so exquisite with it's attention to detail, both in story/ script, but also in the set and costumes. I highly recommend watching it, as it is based on a true story, and is so much more intricate in story lines and in relationships, which I haven't even touched on. For example, there is the sweet sisterly relationship Dido has with her cousin, as well as many others. It is an all star cast, and the acting is truly incredible. It is a must see film.
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