Memorial Day my hubby and I went to see a matinee showing of the movie Belle. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.
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For Anglophiles, the true story takes place in England, and the movie is filmed there. For tea lovers there's plenty of tea drinking. For costumers there's lots beautiful 18th century gowns.
For artists, the movie script was inspired by a 1779 painting that hung in England's Kenwood House until 1922, and now hangs in Scotland's Scone Palace. The portrait, commissioned by William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, was painted by an unknown artist. It was one of the first portraits to portray a black subject on an equal eye-line with a white aristocrat.
For history buffs, it's a British historical drama.
For Downton Abbey fans, Penelope Wilton [who plays Isobel Crawley], plays the role of Lady Mary Murray.
It stars Gubu Mbatha-Raw as Dido Elizabeth Belle Lindsay; Sam Reid as John Davinier [the vicar's son], and Tom Wilkinson as William Murray 1st Earl of Mansfield.
Misan Sagay is the writer. The little known facts about Dido Elizabeth Belle gave her 'writer artistic license' to frame the young woman's story within the historical context of a slave-centered economy.
Synopsis from the movie's website: The film is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife, Belle's lineage affords her certain privileges, yet her status prevents her from the traditions of noble social standing. While her cousin Elizabeth chases suitors for marriage, Belle is left on the sidelines wondering if she will ever find love. After meeting an idealistic young vicar's son bent on changing society, he and Belle help shape Lord Mansfield's role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England [Zong Case triumph].
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For those who like romance, it's a love story.
[Internet Photo]
For artists, the movie script was inspired by a 1779 painting that hung in England's Kenwood House until 1922, and now hangs in Scotland's Scone Palace. The portrait, commissioned by William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, was painted by an unknown artist. It was one of the first portraits to portray a black subject on an equal eye-line with a white aristocrat.
[Internet Photo]
For history buffs, it's a British historical drama.
For Downton Abbey fans, Penelope Wilton [who plays Isobel Crawley], plays the role of Lady Mary Murray.
[Internet Photo]
It stars Gubu Mbatha-Raw as Dido Elizabeth Belle Lindsay; Sam Reid as John Davinier [the vicar's son], and Tom Wilkinson as William Murray 1st Earl of Mansfield.
Misan Sagay is the writer. The little known facts about Dido Elizabeth Belle gave her 'writer artistic license' to frame the young woman's story within the historical context of a slave-centered economy.
Synopsis from the movie's website: The film is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife, Belle's lineage affords her certain privileges, yet her status prevents her from the traditions of noble social standing. While her cousin Elizabeth chases suitors for marriage, Belle is left on the sidelines wondering if she will ever find love. After meeting an idealistic young vicar's son bent on changing society, he and Belle help shape Lord Mansfield's role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England [Zong Case triumph].
It sounds like this movie has something for everyone. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a movie goer and had not heard of this, but this sounds like one I'd enjoy! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteBelle sounds like my kind of movie. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI know I would enjoy this movie, thanks for letting us know about it.
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