Gugu Mbatha-Raw stars in the title role alongside an impressive ensemble of Britain's finest actors as well as some of the most exciting up and coming international stars, including: Tom Wilkinson, Sam Reid, Sarah Gadon, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton, Tom Felton, James Norton, Matthew Goode and Emily Watson.
BELLE is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson), Belle's lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the colour of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar's son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield's role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.
BELLE is written by Misan Sagay, produced by Damian Jones and directed by BAFTA Award Winner Amma Asante. Jones' previous credits include the Academy Award-winning The Iron Lady, BELLE is Asante's second feature following the award-winning A Way of Life in 2004, and Sagay's other writing credits include the 1994 feature film, The Secret Laughter of Women.
BELLE will open in the UK on 13 June 2014, distributed by Twentieth Century Fox. The trailer is above.
