Belle

[millwall]

Back from Cardiff really good film 9/10

[funthing29]

This felt like a TV movie for me. I did not feel the romance was strong enough and nor did I get swept up in the political events. Nothing felt particularly engaging and I was left unaffected. 6/10.

[baty]

Not as harrowing as 12 years a slave but still showed the prejudices of the times. I had known about the legal case at the centre and thought that the film tweaked for effect. Thanks to Alythonian and mupton for the information.
Pity that the thundering of rain almost blocked out the sound in Cardiff

[canadian_turtle]

I thought this was beautiful. Loved the costumes and the settings and the actress who played Belle was sensational. Despite being vaguely familiar with the story, I also found it incredibly gripping and extra fascinating because it was based on a true story. 8/10

[Beate]

Why can't they hand them out in Tesco?!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/promotions/1 ... -book.html

[The Sparrow]

Aw that's a shame.
I've just picked up a lovely companion booklet to the film but it contains huge spoilers. Only to be read after you've seen the film.

[umral]

Really easy-on the eye, glossy costume drama. However for me it was a little too nice. The film lacked the necessary villainy to make it soar, despite the presence of that Tommy from Happy Valley. It’s the starry supporting cast carrying the picture, a pleasure as always to see Penelope Wilton, with Miranda Richardson and (personal favourite) Alex Jennings as the snooty Ashfords.

[Diamond1]

Beautifully done costume drama, nearly too goodie-goodie and a predictable story but the acting was wonderful. This film captured me just because the acting was so brilliant. The characters really came to life and despite the lovely, white 21st century teeth and no grime anywhere I loved this film.

[RAZORBACK]

Finally got around to seeing this yesterday and thought it was good rather than great.

It didn't really do anything wrong as such but the story just didn't capture my attention as much as I had expected it to.

That said, I thought everyone involved was decent and as I certainly wasn't bored at any point I think it did more than enough to get a solid 7/10 from me...

[prettyxcool]

Finally, saw this with some winning tickets.

A gentle period drama, so beautiful, touching and moving. I cried as soon as the father was saying goodbye to Belle. Did not know about the slave trade in UK (I know, I lived a very sheltered life!), only heard about the US, so this is a very enlightening film for me in this respect. It is incredible, if guests were dining she could not dine at the same table, because of her colour, even though she was related by blood.

A really fascinating story. Looking at racism and sexism at the same time. a bit of romance thrown in, beautifully film, and sumptuous costumes, all did it for me. Very Jane Austen but very predictable.

Emily Watson, always lovely to watch. Tom Wilkinson was really good here. Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Belle was enchanting, and her cousin was well portrayed by Sarah Gadon. Felt Tom Felton was type-cast. Some familiar faces, Penelope Wilton springs up her as the spinster aunt, as well as Miranda Richardson as Tom's mum, and Alan McKenna, as Harry the carriage driver, who provides some humour.

Enjoyed spotting all the London locations.

7/10