Review of Belle (2013) by Dannyboy S — 11 May 2014

This costume drama was initially appealing in one sense because it's about racism, prejudice and slavery. I just didn't think there was much going on. If you like things like olden times costumes and formal dialogue, this might float your boat, but I can't recall ever liking movies like this.

This is a true story, but I don't think it was very deep. Dido's trying to deal with the stigma of being black, the prejudice from her own adopted family, as well as the love triangle, a bully, and a pseudo-interest in her Papa's court case.

All of this is dealt with superficially, especially the court case which I thought early on would hold more significance for her and create some power-acting. She might be a voice of reason, but though she influences Papa, she's got no position of authority.

I was regularly tuning out because none of the characters held much gravity, whatever they were saying. I just wasn't engaged - there's nothing compelling here. The movie is too safe, without any violence or sexiness or profanity, and therefore I was pretty bored.

Although I like the idea of slavery abolition, that particular trend in movies has hit a speed bump here.