Belle

Her first, and previous film, was 2004's A Way of Life. Now, director Amma Asante has unveiled her sophomore feature, a historical drama entitled Belle.

As the mixed-race daughter of a white Navy officer and an African slave, Dido Elizabeth Belle's (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) position in 18th-century England's unclear. Her uncle and guardian, Judge William Murray (Tom Wilkinson) and his family regard her as their own. But their snobbish neighbors regard her as beneath their station.

One gentleman, John Davinier (Sam Reid), regards Belle with fondness. But alas, she is persuaded to marry Oliver Ashford (James Norton) for his status. Her cousin, Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon), is likewise persuaded to marry Oliver's bigoted brother, James (Tom Felton).

Murray is called to preside over the case of the Zong, a slave ship whose crew threw 142 slaves overboard. The Zong crew claimed it was a necessary evil, but as it turned out, it was more evil than necessary. Belle's future, as well as that of the slave trade, rests on Murray's ruling.

The writing credit has been subject to controversy (credited to Misan Sagay, but the current shooting script was by Asante). The result of that screenplay is an engaging work. Much of the credit goes to Raw's endearing performance as Belle. Amongst her supporting cast, one who stands out is Miranda Richardson as Ashford's over-the-top mother.

Its sets and costumes help bring 18th-century England to life. They aren't eye candy, ala The Great Gatsby, but they're still memorable creations. Rachel Portman's score is just as memorable; it fits the tone of the film perfectly.

Let's hope it won't be long before Amma Asante does her next feature. Belle provides a captivating history lesson about a little known, yet still-important person. You'll be amazed at what you'll learn.