Snap Judgment: Lush period piece that is romantic and poignant. Dido Elizabeth Belle is an 18th-century British aristocrat -- the daughter of a slave and a Royal Navy Officer -- who is sent to live at her uncle's estate. She is doubly bound as both a woman and a mixed-race individual in a society that treats both as second class citizens. There's an idealistic, incredibly square-jawed love interest, a non-magical Draco Malfoy her beloved cousin is in love with, and a rich but judgmental suitor. Plus, Vauxhall Gardens, the Season, a gorgeous English estate, and portrait painting This is basically Jane Austen, but acknowledging and focusing on issues of race. Obviously, I loved it but also it made me tear up.
Synopsis: Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is the illegitimate daughter of a Royal Naval Officer and a slave. After her mother dies, Dido's father takes her in and delivers her to his uncle, William Murray, the 1st Earl of Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson). At first hesitant, the Earl and his family take her in and love her, including the spinster aunt (Penelope Wilton, aka Isobel Crawley on Downton Abbey). Dido becomes especially close to her cousin, Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon). Dido is treated like family - but also treated less than, such as when she can't dine at the table when guests are over. She's higher than servants, but lower than her white relatives. Dido's father dies, leaving her an heiress. Elizabeth, disowned by her negligent father, is beautiful but penniless. When it's time for Elizabeth's Season, Dido and Elizabeth become romantically entangled with the vile Ashfords. Older brother James (Tom Felton) woos Elizabeth when he thinks she has money. Younger brother Oliver (James Norton) falls for Dido - choosing to "overlook" her maternal heritage. Their scheming mother (Miranda Richardson) only cares about advancing her family. On top of her first suitor and new tensions with her cousin, Dido is trying to come to terms with her family protecting her by keeping her sheltered, her beloved uncle pondering the Zong massacre (murdering slaves for the insurance money) in his role as the Lord Chief Justice of England, and the passionate, idealistic young lawyer John Davinier (Sam Reid) with whom sparks fly from the beginning.
Thoughts: First, let's talk about Sam Reid's impossibly square jaw. And his impossibly high cheekbones. It's like it's all too much for one face, but it somehow works. Plus, no guy has rocked a ponytail so well since Heath Ledger in The Patriot. Dido and John Danvinier meet cute and have a love-hate relationship that you just know is going to smolder into a Great Love (see: Darcy/Elizabeth in Pride & Prejudice). It was adorable and I couldn't stop rooting for these two crazy kids who have to fight both family disapproval and societal expectations.
Then there's Tom Felton doing his best Draco Malfoy-in-a-wig impression. He's had years of practice in sneering. I mean, c'mon, Felton's James Ashton is basically Draco Malfoy without the wand. He's a smug, spoiled young man from an aristocratic family who sneers at those with the wrong blood. He has a deep-seated prejudice against non-"pure" folk. He is a coward at heart.
This film is about as historically accurate as you expect a period movie to be. As in, mostly, probably, but also you have people kissing deeply on the streets of London and everyone walks by like this is normal instead of simply scandalous. Whatever, the clothes are gorgeous.
Based on a true story?: The Guardian has written an article about the historical accuracy of the film. Dido Elizabeth Belle was a real person who really lived with the Mansfield family, although her position is unclear. She also did marry a John Danivier, but not until much later and he wasn't an up-and-coming lawyer but a gentleman's steward. So basically, the film took the outlines of Dido's life, and wrote it's own story on it.
Rating: A-
Final Verdict: Romantic historical period piece with a moving look at race in 18th century Britain.
If you like this, try: Any Jane Austen film, The Duchess, The Young Victoria, Amazing Grace.
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