Belle

Something is about to change in late eighteenth-century England; a case that plays a major role in the abolition of slavery is being appealed. The movie “Belle” gives viewers a glimpse of what is happening behind the scenes. Dido Belle, the niece of the Earl of Mansfield who is presiding over the case, is the illegitimate daughter of Captain Sir John Lindsay and a slave. Her ancestry causes controversy everywhere, but that does not stop Dido and aspiring lawyer John Davinier from trying to bring justice in the case involving murder of 133 Africans. Will they be able to bring justice?

The movie has an overall theme of the value of life. Even though Captain Lindsay committed fornication, he provided for his daughter and assured her that he loved her, which was the right thing to do. Lindsay initially faced opposition in doing so from the Earl of Mansfield, but he assures him “What is right can never be impossible.” Jesus says something quite similar, saying that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Dido also is willing to go against her adoptive father to work toward justice. Dido acts well in doing this, as Jesus says family should be less dear to someone than righteousness (Matthew 10:34-37).

John Davinier and Dido value human life strongly, regardless of status and skin color, whereas many characters seem to have issues with looking past monetary worth and skin color. God wants us to look past both of these traits (Luke 16:19-35 and 1 Samuel 16:7). Also, God’s Word says all people are made in His image (Genesis 1:26), so we should not look down on people because of their skin color. Many characters look down on John because he is the son of a vicar, and many characters seem to have a low view of the clergy, since they had low status. God also has much to say against these worldly judgments (Matthew 6:18-22).

John’s morals don’t seem to be based on his faith, however. He says “My father turns to the Bible, I turn to the law,” and says religion can’t be the only way to guide morals. However, he does later acknowledge that Dido not being treated like a slave was only possible by the grace of God. Even though John is deeply convicted of his morals, we as Christians must keep in mind that God’s Word should be the base of all of our decisions and beliefs (Matthew 7:24).

There is one instance of sexual misconduct in which a man gropes Dido’s breasts. He is very rude to her previously and makes sexual comments about her cousin as well. There are many low cut dresses in this movie. “Intercourse” is referred to and “sharing the bed” with someone is mentioned.

God’s name is used in vain at least three times (characters say “Good Lord,” and “damn” is heard.

Overall, the movie is an enthralling tale of the fight for justice and the dignity of human life, which should not be judge by monetary value or skin color.

Violence: Mild / Profanity: Minor / Sex/Nudity: Moderate

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.