The trailer for Amma Asante’s Belle is out! The film premiered at this year’s Toronto Film Festival to a rather toned-down acclaim. Although it features many of the characteristics of the typical period piece, this innovative costume drama is different in its premise. It is told from the point-of-view of a mixed-race protagonist, Dido, born into a privileged high-society family. Indeed, her father is a Royal Navy admiral (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) but she lives with her father’s great-uncle (Tom Wilkinson), the Earl of Mansfield, and his wife (Emily Watson). Even though she grew up in opulence, she was never entirely accepted in their world, not being allowed to be present at dinner when her aunt and uncle entertained guests. Upon her father’s death, her inheritance becomes a potential dowry to a husband but Dido is, however, rejected and discriminated by most of her potential suitors. Nevertheless, John Davinier (Sam Reid), a politically-minded idealist becomes interested in her and her mixed race and his lower social status will break social canons.
Belle may not seem as steadfast in its portrayal of racism in History as the recent highly praised Twelve Years a Slave, but this unusual and original historical drama seems highly interesting and will most certainly spark the audience’s interest and inspire discussion when it hits theatres on 2 May 2014. So, keep an eye out for this potential gem!
Source: Indiewire
