This movie had an amazing storyline.. It was a beautiful story that all people should hear.. This movie showed me a piece of history that's not talked about, that I feel should be because not only did the actors make you feel what the movie was about they also made you think about what it was like back then.. This is a movie I will gladly recommend for others do watch.. I know once I have children this will be in he list of must sees that's just how much I loved itOver all this movie was hands down the best I've seen in my life... Officially my favorite movie... And I plan on naming my daughter after the beautiful and strong Dido Belle.. I know this review is all over the place but I didn't know how else to get 10 lines

The true story of a beautiful biracial girl being raised by her aristocratic uncle, alongside her white cousin in 18th century England. Dido Elizabeth Belle Lindsay, the daughter of a Royal Navy Captain and a rescued slave, is afforded all the privileges of her wealthy lineage, except those which her skin color and illegitimacy deny her. Though her aunt and uncle adore her, they resign to the fact that she will never be able to marry a gentleman, and they couldn't bear to allow her to marry a commoner so they brace her to the fact that she must learn to live alone and appreciate the luxuries so few of her race will ever have. Interestingly, though, Dido catches the interest of two men: one a gentleman with his eye on her inheritance, and the other a middle class man, fighting to abolish slavery, who sees Dido for the beautiful human being that she is. While marriage is of interest to Dido, a far more important issue holds her attention – her unique position to possibly unhinge England's powerful slave industry.This romantic drama is a blend of "Pride and Prejudice" meets "Amazing Grace." Being an historical representation, the plot and conclusion are necessarily predictable, however the scripting and acting more than make up for it. Gugu Mbatha-Raw, whose previous work was mainly on the small screen, shone with raw emotion as Dido in moments of both tenderness and righteous indignation. Ubiquitous character actor Tom Wilkinson showed a fine balance as Dido's uncle, Lord Mansfield, who held the unenviable position of guarding Dido's heart while deciding the fate of the slave trade, knowing what it meant for his country's economy. Maybe the weakest link, if there was one, was the mediocre acting of Tom Felton whose typecast slime-ball character was right on target for the role of James Ashford.Although overlooked by the biggest Hollywood awards, "Belle" has received numerous awards for its depiction of the life and impact of this remarkable woman and the family that supported her. Gugu Mbatha-Raw has rightfully been recognized for this breakthrough role that will hopefully be the launch of a lustrous big screen career. I would give this movie 9 out of 10 stars for superb lead acting, writing and directing.

James Norton as the younger brother of Tom Felton who once again plays a foppish douche was enough of a contrast to take me out of the moment of the movie. Aside from that I became truly engrossed in the story of Belle as a rather large rock tossed into the still waters of the pressures to find "an acceptable match" for your children and family in British society touching on inheritance and slavery in a way that made me think of Moneyball. The scene where the white Bette explains that she is more property than her Negro cousin Belle dug at the feminist in me. Lord and Lady Mansfield were quite empathetic and the discussions of law and class by them and many other characters were not dumbed down in any way. I do enjoy a movie that requires me to think.

I really have only one criticism regarding this film -- it's a little slow "out of the starting gate". But just when I got ready to yawn, the plot began to develop more interestingly, and I ended up watching it in one sitting (which I rarely do at home).The first strength of the film is the acting. With every film I see him in, I more and more come to the conclusion that Tom Wilkinson is one of today's very best actors; he never disappoints. Gugu Mbatha-Raw was impressive as the title character, although as my first experience with her, I'd want to see other examples of her acting before making any overall comment about her ability. We're not supposed to like Miranda Richardson's character, and I didn't, and I wasn't convinced in this one setting of her acting ability. On the other hand, Penelope Wilton -- as Lady Mary Murray (film wife of Wilkinson) was wonderful. I was impressed with Sam Reid as the fiery minister who opposes slavery and eventually wins the hand of Belle -- John Davinier. It was interesting to realize that Tom Felton (from the Harry Potter films) had an important -- though nasty -- role here; I kept wondering who is that...he seems familiar...only to realize who he was after looking it up. The other actors do their parts...they're fine...though without particular distinction.The second strength of the film is the story line...and there are two. The first, and it would seem the main story line, is of mulatto Belle who grows up in a White British world and how she adjusts to her role in life. That would be enough story for many films. But intertwined with it is the story of a slave ship that threw most of the slaves overboard. Was it for merely a profit motive? And there's where Belle's uncle (Wilkinson) comes in as England's head jurist who must decide the value of a slave. In coming to his conclusion he struggles with the law as it is (or may be interpreted), the value of a life, and his niece's romantic involvement with an anti-slavery minister. Again, it would be enough for one movie. But, the two story lines all fit together very nicely to form a complex story.The production is lush, the settings elaborate, and the costumes impressive.I was tempted to give the film and "8", but I reserve that for films that stand above Hollywood's (although this was a British picture) usual standards...and this does...although not quite over the line. So I give it a very strong "7".