Gugu Talks Timeless Struggles of Remarkable 'Belle'

Newcomer Gugu Mbatha-Raw takes on the title role of Belle in the new period film inspired not only by a true story, but from intrigue sparked by a single, mesmerizing painting, and the charming and talented actress is joined by co-stars Tom Wilkinson, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton and Sam Reid to talk about the film's timeless themes of struggle. Watch the video!

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Dido Elizebeth Belle (played by Gugu) was the illegitimate, mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson), Belle's lineage afforded her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevented her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. In the film, 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.

Sarah Gadon, Tom Felton and Matthew Goode co-star in the film written by Misan Sagay and directed by Amma Asante.

Belle arrives in theaters May 2.

Watch the full trailer for the film: