Fox sets Belle UK release date

Twentieth Century Fox is to release period drama Belle in the UK on June 13, 2014.

The film is directed by BAFTA winner Amma Asante, written by Misan Sagay and produced by Damian Jones whose previous credits include Oscar-winner The Iron Lady. It marks Asante’s second feature after A Way of Life in 2004.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw stars in the title role alongside Tom Wilkinson, Sam Reid, Sarah Gadon, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton, Tom Felton, James Norton, Matthew Goode and Emily Watson.

Belle is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Wilkinson) and his wife (Watson), Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, but the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing.  

Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.

The filmmaking team alongside Asante includes director of photography Ben Smithard BSC (My Week With Marilyn), production designer Simon Bowles (Hyde Park on Hudson), costume designer Anushia Nieradzik (Hunger), music by Rachel Portman (The Duchess), editors Pia Di Ciaula (Tyrannosaur) and Victoria Boydell (The Awakening) and make-up and hair designer Marese Langan (The Iron Lady).