‘Must see’ period drama set in breathtaking British stately home now streaming
The 2013 film is loosely based on a real-life figure
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Downton Abbey’s Matthew Goode featured in the movie(Image: FOX SEARCHLIGHT)
Viewers seeking a comforting period drama to settle into as the clocks fall back and evenings draw in should look no further than this gem on Disney Plus, following rave reviews for a “masterpiece” film dubbed the greatest movie of all time and acclaim for a TV series boasting legendary stars, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Released in 2013 and starring two Downton Abbey favourites, the picture draws loose inspiration from a true story.
Film enthusiasts have previously heaped glowing praise on the production via IMDb reviews.
One standout critique branded it a “must see movie” and gushed: “The acting was superb! I don’t remember a movie in recent times that I enjoyed so much.”
A second perfect 10/10 rating declared: “This coming of age story is masterfully told.”
A third viewer revealed: “I walked out of the theater [sic] stunned at this passionate story of love, justice, acceptance, and society.”
They continued: “Films like this deserve all the attention they can get.”
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The period drama featured an all-star cast(Image: FOX SEARCHLIGHT)
Another fan remarked: “I wanted to see this movie because it is a period piece. I did not know that it is based on a true story . I loved the settings, the costumes, the writing and the acting.”
One critic branded the historical drama a “wonderful inspirational and moving Film”, whilst another celebrated it as “costume drama with substance [sic]”.
A further 10/10 assessment bore the headline: “Mesmerizing and romantic true story”.
The reviewer elaborated: “The dialog, directing, performances, costumes, locations, and cinematography were all fabulous.
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Downton Abbey’s Penelope Wilton starred in the romantic drama(Image: FOX SEARCHLIGHT)
“It’s based on the mesmerizing and romantic true story of the beautiful, intelligent, mixed race daughter of an admiral, who was raised in Georgian England by her aristocratic great-uncle and his wife [sic].”
Belle marked the directorial debut of British director Amma Asante and was loosely inspired by the real-life British aristocrat Dido Elizabeth Belle (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who was the illegitimate daughter of British Royal Navy officer Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode) and enslaved black woman Maria Belle.
The film follows Sir John as he takes Dido under his wing and entrusts her to the care of his uncle William Murray, Earl of Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife Elizabeth (Emily Watson) after the child’s mother died in the West Indies.
Dido was raised alongside her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray (Sarah Gadon) in London’s magnificent stately home Kenwood House.
Despite their similar social standing, Dido remained aware of the differences between them as they grew older and suitors began to show interest.
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Gugu Mbatha-Raw led the stunning period piece(Image: FOX SEARCHLIGHT)
Both Dido and her cousin found themselves being wooed by the Ashfords, however, the way the two women are treated is vastly different.
Alongside the romance, Belle delves into the British abolitionist movement of the era with a hopeful lawyer aiming to change the world.
The film also featured Downton Abbey’s Penelope Wilton, Miranda Richardson, Harry Potter’s Tom Felton, Grantchester’s James Norton, The Crown’s Alex Jennings, and Sam Reid from Interview with the Vampire.
The inspiration for the film came from a painting of Dido alongside her cousin, which is displayed in Kenwood House in London, near Hampstead Heath.
Currently, the property is under the ownership of English Heritage, allowing visitors to explore the grand house and its extensive grounds.
Belle (2013) is streaming on Disney+ now
SOURCE: MIRROR