It's been said that Jane Austen's "Mansfield's Park" was a brilliant fairy-tale, though not to take this claim in a disparaging way. Being that the romantic sub-plots would have been deemed impossible had it not been for their limitless supply of wealth and that their prized investments came from "cheap slave labour". It seems that in Austen's world, the economic stability that embodies the characters depicted in her books seem to be dependent on dirty money (hence the origin of the sum "filthy rich") although it's questionable if Austen ever intended it that way. But, still it's pretty unnerving when you think about it, maybe that's why rich people get a bad rap not for the the money but how they make it and it's a shame that romantic tales are catering to the rich and wealthy. Though inspired by the works of Miss Austen, the 2013 movie "Belle" was based off of actual events follows a similar path that Austen takes in her story not fully in line with period drama, but focusing on an emancipated half-black woman living the societal structures in 18th century Britain.

Directed by Amma Asante and the script written by Misan Sagay, "Belle" centres around the illegitimate mixed-race child of an African Slave named Maria Belle and of a Royal Navy Captain John Lindsay (Matthew Goode) born with a silver spoon in his mouth, well-educated, and rather scorned upon by his highly-esteemed extended family who takes guardianship upon raising her after he could no longer continue due to declining health. Though she was called Belle by her father, her aunts and uncles arrogantly referred to her as Dido, she blossoms into a elegant young woman played by heart by Gugu Mbatha-Raw. And though she is strong willed who obviously gets discarded due to her race, even though the suitors who want to propose to her are interesting. But due to her rich inheritance, she's just another Austen heroine and the guys proposing her are marrying her because of her powerful background contrary to her struggling step-cousin Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) who was disinherited by her father (Tom Wilkinson) which is original that the poor white girl has the disadvantage to the wealthy mixed girl.

In the process, Wilkinson's character is the powerful judge Lord Mansfield who's involved in an investment which focuses on slave ship while putting his thoughts in question if it's morally right for humans to be treated like cargo. Dido knows about this case in small fragments but gets better informed from a sensitive vicar's son, John Davinier (Sam Reid) who's an apprentice to Mansfield until they have an unsettling altercation about the case. Dido's self-awareness grows as does her love for John. But her aunts Countess of Mansfield (Emily Watson) and Lady Mary Murray (Penelope Wilton) are trying to steer Dido away from John and instead luring her towards a relationship with the sensitive Oliver Ashford (Jamie Norton) who's mother Lady Ashford (Miranda Richardson) wants him to marry Dido for her wealth. While his older brother James (Tom Felton still acting like Draco Malfoy) is also in it for her heritage who even goes far as to abruptly assault Dido and proposes to Elizabeth but backs away when he discovers she's poor.

Though the script and the performances were all very good, the red herring comes from what kind of a sub-genre it wants to be. It can't decide if it wants to be an Austen inspired period piece or a social commentary drama. You can't have it both ways. Director Asante falls in familiar territory as with other conventional directors. In the opening scenes, the drama kicks in with familiar territory where people are there but their faces are cut from the camera.Sure it may look dramatic at first, but it lacks originality. In the end, "Belle" has some great points of interest, but the execution deprives the movie from being both engaging or wrenching.

"Belle" is quite a film. It surpasses expectations in just about every category, from its complex and rich performances to all the care that went into giving the film its background, atmosphere, and most importantly, a sensitive script that is not afraid to make you both comfortable as you appreciate the retelling of a real life story that should inspire more than a few of us in the audience.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw follows the footsteps of another amazing and very talented beauty, Lupita Nyong'o. She shines when she is on the screen with a serene but powerful presence, and she can certainly act, conveying a dazzling range of emotions as she grows from a confused, sheltered aristocrat to a passionate and determined advocate of change and human rights. It's not an easy transition, and her situation is truly special because just she refers to herself as fortunate enough to have conquered some of the chains that bind her race, she is still subjugated by the pressures of a society that is slow to accept change.

She has been raised by one of the most powerful and wisest men in England, as her father left her behind as he continues to serve his country. She has a strong bond with all the members of her family, whom unfortunately are bound and restricted their equals. They truly care for her but are afraid to push the boundaries because this is a time when position and money work very well together, and it is just wise not to rock the structure, or the consequences can haunt you for many years.

Soon, as she comes of age and inherits enough money to give her some type of independence, she begins to discover how different and special standing is. She can wield power and literally bend the rules, but she will always be targeted by bigoted and abusive men and women who can't see beyond a very restrictive set of rules and beliefs. Miranda Richardson and Tom Felton adroitly display the worst qualities of the Ashford clan as they enter into a careful and cruel game where emotions are the worst of the assets. It's a kill or be killed universe, where one must ensure a solid future by finding a successful match. Richardson malevolent Lady Ashford is even willing to sell her soul in order to secure the resources her eldest needs to reach a higher echelon.

Balancing this cold collection of vultures are the people who are beginning to question this society's economic and social structures. John Davinier crosses paths with Dido (Belle),forging a bond that will be essential in the development of a growing resistance to their personal and societal chains. Both generate intelligent heat. Their chemistry is obvious and key to the success of the film. Some of the most romantic moments in period pieces is in display here. It recalls some of the energy and rebelliousness of "The Graduate", a bit of the freshness of "Pride and Prejuidice", and the inflexible and uptight background in movies like "Remains of The Day", "Age of Innocence" and other famous period/love classics. What is daring in "Belle" is that it juggles the struggles of an individual and manages to keep it close to our own feelings while using that to create a link to more important issues, or maybe it is that they both linked because of our humanity.

In the end "Belle" is a crowd pleaser, giving us a happy ending, a sense of hope and satisfaction that it will get better, that love can conquer plenty, and that maybe there's goodness in most of us. Tom Wilkinson has surpassed himself by creating a portrayal of a man who has a very special nature, learned by personal experience, and has incorporated a combination of personal experience with his logical training and understanding of the issues that the film is exploring.

There is a special moment between him and his wife, beautifully played by Emily Watson, an actress known for her passionate performances. Here's she warm and supportive, a source of protection and love for those she chooses to love. It is obvious she has given her husband much support over the years, that part of the reason he has never lost perspective of what he believes in comes from the way she communicates her thoughts to him. They are a perfect team, and a model for what Belle has begun building with John, a couple that will likely continue influencing whatever lies in front of them, and it won't be an easy task, but we are pleased to know this amazing couple have the heart and mental acumen to light the fires of change.

I expect this film will receive plenty of recognition and develop strong word of mouth because it richly deserves it. It is intelligent and inspirational and one of the best examples of what truly outstanding movies can offer: a great look, an amazing script, and a cohesive product all given to us by a director that knows how to balance and put together all those elements, and Ms. Amma Asante has demonstrated just that.

I loved "Belle" but also can clearly see that it's NOT a film for everyone. Let's face it--movies with explosions and that require very little thinking generally do the best. This is not meant to be fat-headed on my part--it's just that cerebral and period films just don't make all that much money compared to other sorts of pictures. "Belle" is set in the late 18th century, there are no explosions, no war and lots of dialog...so it probably is not everyone's idea of a fun time. With my love of history, however, the film was just what I like.

The story is about Dido Elizabeth Belle, a most unusual young lady in her time. She was a rich upper class lady...yet her mother was black! Because of this, her place in British society was very problematic. The story concerns her life during the time just before she married and concerns her courtship as well the pressing issue of the Dido--a slaver ship that murdered at least 132 slaves and which then claiming compensation by their insurer after they tossed these people into the sea! Where all this goes is something you'll just need to see for yourself.

Overall, there is a lot to like about this costume drama. The romance is sweet and charming, the costumes and sets are amazing and the story, though deliberately paced, is marvelous. A truly exceptional film, though in a few cases I wondered why a few details from Dido's life were changed--such as the composition of the famous painting as well as making her French husband British in the film. Regardless, this is some film.