BELLE is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mabatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson), Belle's lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the colour of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar's son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield's role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.
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The film has an almost British cast of Tom Wilkinson, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton, Matthew Goode and of course Tom Felton. Who was casted as James Ashford.
The film is directed by Amma Asante and is her second film she has directed. the first was A Way 'of Life in 2004 which she wrote as well.
Belle has already been shown at the Toronto International film festival last September and was attended by the cast. They were interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter,
Learn about the background from the cast and Amma herself.
Tom describes what it was like to play the part of an aristocratic gentleman
Here is the Interview:
