I gave this film a 9 out of 10, because it was exactly what I expected it to be.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

It's hard to look at films about slavery in the same way after the relentless physicality of 12 Years a Slave, especially when they're presented as costume dramas like Belle. Fortunately for us, it manages to tell its unique tale with enough conviction and passion to step out of 12 Years's shadow.The year is 1765. The four year-old Dido Belle is the daughter of an African slave and a British Royal Navy officer. After her mother dies, he entrusts her to his uncle, William Murray, the Lord Chief Justice, and his wife. Although he's hesitant, he agrees. Dido finds a companion in William's niece, Elizabeth and together they experience a happy childhood, free from the nasty truths regarding racial relations. Yet, in her gut, Dido always felt something was amiss, as when she noticed Negroes in paintings were always positioned in such a way as to seem insubordinate to whites. She grows up and marital possibilities are considered. The Ashford family contain suitable candidates for Dido and Elizabeth, but there's also John Davinier, a vicar's son who's William's apprentice. He learns of an incident where a group of slaves were thrown overboard for the sake of the ship. It's to go to trial, a trial considered to be a crucial step in abolishing slavery.After the emotional punishment viewers received at the hand of 12 Years's brutal treatment of slavery, Belle seems tame by comparison. Combining slavery with the costume drama genre the Academy loves so much screams 'award bait' at first glance. Yet, if anything, Belle is not tame. Clichéd occasionally, but never tame. In fact, it's the ever-growing emotional intensity of Dido coming to realize the truth about the world and her place in it that form much of the film's core. The script is key in this regard. It's jam-packed--perhaps too much so--with impressive scenes where characters opinionate with the kind of clarity only film can provide.As for the acting, much of the praise deserves to go to newcomer Gugu Mbatha-Raw who's very persuasive as Dido. The more Dido becomes aware of her societal position and that she has to take action, the better her acting gets.Naturally, since this is a film based on history, there's the question of how much of it is actually based on history. Apparently, Dido wasn't very much involved with the case of the slaves who were thrown overboard. The film suggests her bond with William Murray contributed to his eventual ruling in that case, but apparently, he only called for another hearing where new evidence would have to be presented. Even so, the film's intertwining of both Dido and the case makes sense, because it provides a buildup of tension and emotional release for Dido.It takes a while for Belle to get going, but once it does, it's pretty involving. Although it lacks the raw intensity of 12 Years a Slave, the intensity is definitely there, particularly during the scenes where Dido confronts others. Not a groundbreaking film, but definitely worth a watch.

I have to say, this film is one of my favorite's ever! It really gave us the feeling of how racism and slavery was involved so much in the 1800's but to be honest, it's still worse today. It has never changed and unfortunately never will until we hit the ground...Gugu Mbatha-Raw looked so beautiful like the real elegant Dido Elizabeth Belle. She reminds me as Kerry Washington doing a British accent. Seriously I thought she was Kerry Washington throughout the movie until I saw Gugu's name appear in the end credits.I loved in the film that they showed Captain Sir John Lindsay and Lady Dido's relationships growing stronger and stronger every time they see each other. I was so annoyed she accepted her engagement with Oliver Ashford as he just wasn't right for her and plus, he hasn't got a respectable family. Also he has a messed up brother who wouldn't shut his mouth! It was so good to see Tom Felton after the Harry Potter years because really, he needed a break from being known as Draco Malfoy.I'm glad to have seen this film. 9/10

I was recently looking up a list of slavery-related films off Wikipedia, and this fairly recent 2013 film showed up, and I had remembered adding it to my watch list on HBO GO, so thought I'd give it a go.This work of "historical fiction" is based on one particular painting, and what is known about it. Now the lead actress is a real cutey-p'tutey, and the cast is first-rate-->> Matthew Goode of the recent "Imitation Game", Tom Wilkinson, etc.. But the overall movie itself TBH was just kinda boring. The production values are first-rate, as are the performances, but the movie never really "takes off" to any great degree. I'm on the fence on this one...

This is a fine film based on an amazing true story. It is hampered by a pallid lead performance and an over-emphasis on the (mostly fictional) romance between Belle and John Davenier.There is a standout performance by Sarah Gadon, as Dido's sister- cousin. Tom Felton, James Norton, and Miranda Richardson also provide much needed spark.Little is known about Dido Belle, most of our impressions is based on the famous painting. However, the film's characterization fails to convey the charm and playfulness of the woman in the portrait. Instead, the lead actress is left to make 'serious' faces with furrowed brows, watery eyes, and heavy corset-breathing.Oddly, it is the romantic lead which is the catalyst. John Davenier opens Dido's eyes to the iniquities of the slave trade and her status, which is historically inaccurate and a disservice to the real- life individuals. The film seems more concerned with the romantic life of the heroine than exploring the relationship between her and her family. Dido was an unusual woman, but so was her family. It was her relationship with her uncle and his historic decisions which abolished slavery in Britain that makes her story relevant. The writer does a good job though, of portraying all the inequalities of Britain. Dido may be hindered by her race, but her cousin and others are no less hindered by their poverty and gender. And the film does a good job of exploring the complexities and difficulties of Dido's relationship with society.