Period drama fans seeking a comforting film as the evenings draw in are being directed to 'Belle', now streaming on Disney+. The 2013 film, starring Downton Abbey favourites Matthew Goode and Penelope Wilton, has received glowing reviews from viewers, with some calling it a 'must see movie' and a 'masterpiece'.
Directed by Amma Asante in her directorial debut, 'Belle' is loosely inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the mixed-race daughter of British Royal Navy officer Sir John Lindsay and an enslaved woman. After her mother's death, Dido is raised by her aristocratic great-uncle William Murray, Earl of Mansfield, and his wife at Kenwood House in London.
The film follows Dido's coming of age alongside her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray, exploring themes of love, justice, and society. It also delves into the British abolitionist movement, with a hopeful lawyer aiming to change the world. The cast includes Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Miranda Richardson, Tom Felton, James Norton, Alex Jennings, and Sam Reid.
Viewers have praised the film's acting, settings, costumes, and cinematography. One IMDb reviewer wrote: 'The acting was superb! I don't remember a movie in recent times that I enjoyed so much.' Another called it a 'mesmerizing and romantic true story'. Kenwood House, where the film is set, is now owned by English Heritage and open to the public.
