Based on a true story, the 2013 movie Belle explores the court case of the Zong massacre and the circumstances surrounding it. Starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Matthew Goode, and Emily Watson, this film gives a unique perspective of the beliefs of the time and how the court case paved the way for abolition of slavery in England.

Photo courtesy of IMDb.com. Belle (2013)

Dido Elizabeth Belle is the biracial illegitimate daughter of a British navy captain who is raised by her great-uncle Lord William Murray, an earl and the Lord Chief Justice of England. When her father dies and she receives a substantial inheritance, she finds herself in a unique position: A woman independently wealthy without the need to marry. Yet many do not want to associate with her because of her skin color. There are young men who are willing to look past it in order to get her money, including Oliver Ashford, who comes from a family that views her origins as disgraceful. Regardless of this, she becomes engaged to Oliver, whom she believes is different from his family.

Meanwhile, Dido meets John Davinier, a law student who briefly studies with Lord Murray. But the earl dismisses him after he and the law student get into an argument about the Zong court case. After passing through the lower courts, the case goes before Lord Murray. This causes much contention, because a ruling will either provide a foothold for abolitionists or support slavery. Intrigued both by Mr. Davinier and by the ruling her great-uncle will have to make, Dido assists Mr. Davinier with gathering evidence to support the claim that slaves are human beings, not property. But she doesn't expect the case and the law student to become the center of her world.

Photo courtesy of IMDb.com. Belle (2013)

The story sticks to the facts without being dry. The diverse beliefs of the day were portrayed without injecting current political thought. The acting, costumes, and setting were superb.

There are a few curse words. One mild innuendo about using a woman and then leaving her. A man lays his hands on the main character and touches her without her consent. Dido's illegitimacy is discussed. The way slaves are treated is talked about.

Photo courtesy of IMDb.com. Belle (2013)

This movie is best for teens and adults.

For those of you who have watched Belle, what did you think of it? For those of you who haven't watched it, would you want to watch it? Tell me in the comments below!