Watch: Fantastic First Trailer for Period Drama ‘Belle’ Starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw

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Belle (2013)

Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Dido Elizabeth Belle in ‘Belle’ (2013)

Enjoy the first official trailer for Belle , a period drama film based on the trials and tribulations of Dido Elizabeth Belle , a mixed-race girl born into an aristocratic family in 18th century England.

Directed by Amma Asante , the film stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Miranda Richardson, Tom Wilkinson, Sarah Gadon, Sam Claflin, Matthew Goode, Tom Felton, Sam Reid, James Norton , and Penelope Wilton .

ALSO SEE: Amma Asante’s Historical-Drama ‘Belle’ to Hit VOD on August 12

The illegitimate daughter of John Lindsay (a white British Naval officer) and an African slave woman known only as Maria Belle , Dido faced class and racial prejudices despite her social status. She could not dine with the servants, nor her own family when they had guests.

Dido Elizabeth Belle

Portrait of Dido Elizabeth Belle with cousin Elizabeth by unknown artist, 1779

She would eventually become instrumental in the campaign to end slavery in England after developing a relationship with a vicar’s son who is an advocate for emancipation.

Developed and supported by the British Film Institute, the film made its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last month. Belle will hit theaters May 2, 2014.

[thanks shadowandact ]

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