Belle

Belle
Sun 7/13 2:30 & 7:30; Mon 7/14 9:00; Tue 7/15 6:30; Wed 7/16 9:00; Thu 7/17 6:30
Dir: Amma Asante / 2014 / UK / 104 min / DCP

Based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), an illegitimate mixed race woman, this English 17th century period piece explores racism, sexism, classism, and colonial oppression. As Belle is reaching marriageable age she lives a life with many privileges, cared for by her aristocratic relatives, but her race and illegitimacy cause her status in society to always be that of an outsider. When Belle meets a lawyer passionate about working to end slavery, she is torn between her heart and sense of justice and the family whom she loves. This is award winning director Amma Asante’s second feature film and Mbatha-Raw has received rave reviews for her enchanting lead performance. The stellar cast is full of amazingly talented Brits including Tom Wilkinson, Miranda Richardson, Matthew Goode, Emily Watson, Penelope Wilton and Tom Felton. “Belle, complete with its corsets and British roses, is a fine addition to the historical romance genre. It deftly balances entertainment value with historical gravitas as it provides a mixture of social importance, Harlequin romance and Jane Austen satire.” gushes Mal Vincent of The Pilot.