Belle - A New Period Drama That Will Truly Inspire You

Opening May 2nd in Select Theaters

Inspired by the true story of the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle (played by the lovely Gugu Mbatha-Raw), Belle tells the story of the illegitimate mixed race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode), who is being raised by her

Gugu Mbatha-Raw in Belle

aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson). Belle is given many privileges in her life because she was born to nobility, yet her mixed race status prevents her from obtaining the traditional noble social standing. 

Her cousin Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) vigorously pursues a candidate for marriage, and Belle is left wondering if she will ever experience real love.  After meeting an idealistic young man who is determined to change the views of society, he and Belle help shape Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice, and together they work to bring an end to slavery in England.

Belle will be in theaters in limited released on May 2nd, and will expand to more theaters soon after.  Directed by English Director Amma Asante, Belle is already being considered as an major awards contender.  Watch the trailer below to get an idea of the beauty of this film:

Madame Bovary Poster

Expect for this film to be a contender Best Costume Design, as well.  Anushia Nieradzik is the Costume Designer for Belle.  Best known for her movie work for in Irina Palm (2007), Hunger (2008) and Private Peaceful (2012), Nieradzik is also very well known in the television community for her costume design, having  worked on such television shows as Dr. Who, Madame Bovary, Injustice and the T.V. movie Sex Traffic (2004).  Nieradzik has seven award nominations and one win, including BAFTA nominations for Christabel (1989), Middlemarch (1994), Madame Bovary (2000) and Sex Traffic (2004).  She also won the Gemini Award for Sex Traffic (2004).  

This talented costume designer will bring her vision to Belle in the form of many dresses for the lead character and for the

A Scene Still From Belle

supporting cast.  Nieradzik has proven time and time again that she can come up with gorgeous designs that are unique for each film and are standout pieces worthy of award nominations.  Belle will be no exception; just from the previews and pictures that have been released, one can see that the period looks will be stunning.  This is both a movie for fashionistas who love period films, and those who love truly inspiring films that life changing.

Changing the Views of a Country

Belle will have many moments of frustration, passion and inspiration, and whether you see this film this in a theater or you have to wait to see this one on DVD, you will not want to miss it.  You can bet you will be hearing more about this film when awards season rolls back around.  

Follow me if you love fashion and movies, and please comment below- I would love to hear from you and your thoughts on this film and how you feel about period dramas in general. 

Film Fashionista