Fictional Favorites, Couples Edition: John and Dido

For those of you who don't know, John Davinier and Dido (Elizabeth Belle) Lindsay are found in the 2013 (or 2014 depending on your source), movie entitled Belle. Here is a quick synopsis from Amazon:

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

I actually edited the synopsis because the last line basically explains the whole movie and even though it is history--who wants to spoil the movie? :P

Belle is a very emotionally charged movie, which considering the theme is understandable. But in terms of romance, I find the style and emotion unique and intriguing considering that it is a period film.

John and Dido's first meeting sets up as a perfect misunderstanding between the two. John makes the 'mistake' of approaching or attempting to speak to Dido without being properly introduced which awakes the pride from the position that Dido has as a woman of the house.  A promising beginning if you ask me. :)  As the movie progresses, Dido's pride is soon overcome because of a need for information and honest conversation that she can't find in her own household. However, the transformation hardly takes place all at once. (Naturally not, that just isn't how things are done. :D)


I really adore the conversations that take place between these two. Dido's situation is, as far as I know, the only situation of it's kind. Because of this, her uncle, who acts as her guardian, has been selective in how he has raised Dido. He has tried to raise her with an understanding of her 'place' in a society that hasn't allowed for such a situation to exist therefore leaving no reference. Her uncle's guidance seems enough, in a way, for Dido until she meets John. While Dido had been taught by her uncle that she was equal, John, actual treats her as such in the truest sense. John doesn't hide the issues of the time from her, but rather explains and discusses them with Dido and by so doing, gives her the honesty that she craves and deserves. (Personally, I really enjoy their conversation on marriage.)

A few quick thoughts: (as my Fictional Favorite posts are basically about highlighting the things I love about my selected subjects I allow myself to mention small insignificant things.) I really like how natural John is at giving compliments. I know that seems odd, perhaps ridiculous, but I truly think that giving compliments is a skill. Haha, and I'm not kidding. :) Sam Reid, the man who plays John, has very kind eyes so maybe that helps when he is speaking with Dido. He has a very easy gentlemanly manner that I like. He is both gentle and passionate which I think is what draws Dido to him. Well, Dido and some other people but we shan't go there. ;)

Also, to remain historically accurate, Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Dido), did not wear makeup while shooting Belle. She is literally, just that beautiful!

Okay, normally this is the time where I would mention some teasers of some kind to entice you to watch the film but I'm going to deviate slightly from this scheme and use only one gif to make my point.

This scene... :)

What could this argument be about?! :)

I know there are historical inaccuracies in the film regarding the romance aspect of Dido's story but as far as the characters themselves, I can't help loving John and Dido. I don't need them to be historically accurate to appreciate them.

Yours truly,

Cordy