Over the past decade, several films have been released that
focus on racism in North America and the revolution to freedom. What we have
not seen is the historical events that stopped slavery and segregation in other
parts of the world. Directed by Amma Asante, “Belle” is a moving biopic that
focuses on one of the first events in Britain’s slavery abolishment movement.
Retelling the tail of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a biracial
bachelorette, the film takes an interesting perspective on slavery abolishment
with family dynamics, self-acceptance, and love.
Set in eighteenth century England, the nephew of William
Murray, an aristocratic chief of justice (Tom Wilkinson), reveals his illegitimate,
mixed daughter. As he travels to sea and leaves the young girl, Dido Elizabeth,
with the family, they are caused to raise her as their own. As Dido matures, she
begins to question why she does not have the same privileges as her cousin and
struggles with her complexion when she becomes an eligible bachelorette. As
Dido questions her family and recognizes the neglect of people like her, she
ultimately aids in the decision of her uncle’s trial, the Zong Massacre.
“… How can I be too high in rank to dine with the servers but to low to dine with my family?”
Considering “Belle” being a biopic, very little was known
about Dido Elizabeth besides the painting found in Kenwood House. Known as one
of the first paintings to recognize a black person as an equal with an
aristocrat, the painting inspired the film and provided the writer, Misan
Sagay, a large framework to replicate the family dynamics at the time of the
case. Given a relatively wide scope, Sagay’s screenplay is a believable,
contemporary script that mimics the language and culture relevant in that time
period.
Although the plot deals with Murray’s ultimate decision with
the Zong Massacre, Dido’s frustration and solitude captures the audience’s
heart as she struggles with her identity throughout the film. Mbatha-Raw
creates an incredible performance and portrays the deep emotions felt by Dido
behind the trial. Acting as her first lead role, she overshadows the rest of
the cast by demanding attention during her emotional scenes. By the end of the
film, you’ll be going googoo for Gugu!
“I don’t know if I find myself anywhere.”
Since “Belle” focuses on Dido during the period of courting,
the true racism is seen amongst the aristocratic community as she attempts to
find a husband. Potential candidates are shut down after their racist slurs and
shame are seen from their families while Dido begins to realize her situation
and how people view her. She ends up falling in love with her uncle’s law
apprentice, John Davinier (Sam Reid), after they have a falling out from their differing
views on the trial. Exposing her to the cruelty of the world, the couple
becomes a powerful force behind the case and attempt to change Murray’s out-dated
opinions.
“One does not make a wife of the rare and exotic…”
Mbatha-Raw’s strong performance allows “Belle” to blossom
into a well-acted and influential picture. The love story provided an excellent
path to recount one of Britain’s historical events and fathom what was going on
in the life of Dido Elizabeth at the time. Sagay’s writing produced a beautiful
film that simulate real events and created a credible role in Mbatha-Raw’s
filmography; definitely an unnoticed film that pushes boundaries and displays a
different side of England.
Rating: 9/10
Check out the original review on WeEatFilms.com
No comments:
Post a Comment