Belle (2013)

In the heart of the 18th-century English society, a remarkable tale unfolds, one deeply rooted in the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). As the illegitimate offspring of an affair between Royal Navy Captain Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode) and an overseas African woman, Dido's mixed heritage places her at the curious crossroads of privilege and prejudice. Brought to the elegant estate of her great-uncle, Lord William Murray, the 1st Earl of Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson), and his wife Lady Mansfield (Emily Watson), Dido's existence stirs a whirlpool of societal controversy. Dido's life becomes entwined with Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon), another niece of the same age, under the same aristocratic roof. Despite the shadow of scandal looming over her dark skin, Dido's noble lineage earns her a place in the household, thanks in part to the firm stance of her father and the acceptance of Lord Mansfield, the Lord Chief Justice of Britain. The girls grow up as inseparable companions, navigating the labyrinth of love and courtship together. While Elizabeth becomes the object of affection for the cunning and bigoted James Ashford (Tom Felton), his brother Oliver (James Norton) finds himself drawn to the enchanting Dido. Yet, it is John Davinier (Sam Reid), an ambitious young lawyer with revolutionary ideals, who captures Dido's heart. Together, they influence the legal and moral compass of Lord Mansfield, setting him on a path that could change the course of England's slave trade forever. "Belle" is not just a story of love and high society; it's a testament to one woman's resilience and strength, an empowering narrative that challenges the status quo and dares to question the antiquated norms of a world on the brink of change.

Belle is a drama movie featuring Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

Belle is currently streaming on DIRECTV.

It is also possible to buy Belle on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.