Loosely based on a painting and the stories of 18th century Britain, Belle was released in 2013. The movie explored some aspects of the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed-race British gentlewomen but also shone light upon legal cases like, the Zong massacre insurance case of 1783 that laid the groundwork for the abolishment of slavery in England. It is a movie that not only provides entertainment but also education, making it one that should be watched by many.
A noteworthy strength of this movie is, the equal integration of all topics that make a movie interesting. The movie satisfies all different types of audience members. Those drawn to romance can be entangled in the complex romantic situation of female characters such as, Dido, who has to figure out if an unhappy married life is really what she wants or if there is someone better suited for her.
However, this movie does not only showcase such intimate love but also familial love. The audience can witness the slow acceptance of Dido, a mixed-race, illegitimate child into the privileged world of her white family. Heartfelt moments scattered throughout the movie highlight the beauty of unity in diversity and show how her newfound family accept her despite societal pressures.
People who appreciate history and law may discover references in the movie to pivotal legal cases that advanced the fight for liberty for people of colour in England. In Belle, Dido resides at her great-uncle's home. He happens to be Lord Chief Justice and, in the movie, he presides over 'The Zong Massacre' case. This case involved a British slave ship, Zong, its crew that threw 132 African slaves overboard due to 'shortage in provisions' and, its claim for insurance money. The movie perfectly captures his dilemma as Lord Chief Justice, on whether to favour the economic interests of the then prevailing slave-trade industry of England or, the morality/ inhumanity of the crime.
In conclusion, whilst Belle presents a romaticised and inexact life of Dido Elizabeth Belle as well as a simplified and dramatised version of 'The Zong Massacre', it also draws awareness to an aspect of British history that is often overlooked by many. A story of a lady whose only reason to be excluded from high society was her skin colour resonates with many, even today. Ultimately, the movie reminds us of how far we have come in terms of love, law and liberty and pays homage to those who could only dream of our reality. It is a movie that can be enjoyed at home on the couch one day but also serve as a educational resource at school the next, and that is the charm of it.
