• About
    • Hi, I’m Jen!
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
  • Start Here
  • Courses
    • FREE Principled Christmas Gift-Giving Mini Course
    • About the “Media That Matters” Course
    • Signature Caramel Apple Dashboard
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Raise The Good

  • Home
  • Resources By Age
    • Children
    • Teens
    • Adults
  • Media Type
    • Audio
    • Books
    • Movies
    • TV/Video Clips
  • Topics
    • Character Traits
    • Education
    • Faith
    • Intentional Living
    • Parenting
    • Adulting
    • Holidays and Special Occasions
    • Hero Spotlight
  • Favorite Things
  • Shop
    • Cart
  • Free Printables

May 12, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Belle: A Biracial Regency Romantic Drama

Movies

This post has affiliate links in it for your convenience. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you when you use one of these links. When you use these links, it helps support the mission of Raise The Good. Thank you! For more information, click here.

I have to admit: I am a total sucker for Regency romance stories. Then, if you make it a true, compelling story that teaches my kids kindness and respect for all of our brothers and sisters, and helps create empathy for others’ feelings, well…I just HAVE to share it! “Belle” is a movie that I highly recommend for teens and older.

About “Belle”

Belle is the true story of Dido– the illegitimate, bi-racial daughter of an English naval captain from a prominent family and a slave woman– during the time when slavery was still legal in England and her colonies.  When he learns of Dido’s existence and her mother’s death, the father takes Dido from her colony home and takes her to his ancestral home in England to stay with his parents, as he continues his navel career.

As Dido grows up among her white relatives, she finds that she belongs nowhere, being too high and too low in station at the same time.  As she reaches adulthood, Dido wonders what will become of her future. She is especially concerned as she learns about a legal case concerning the murder of hundreds of slaves. As she struggles to love herself despite her skin color (it hurts me to write that!), and to stand up to those who mistreat her, she also finds true love with a wonderful man who sees her beauty inside AND out, and who also leads the legal fight in forcing the government to recognize people of all colors…as people.

Two really big thumbs up for this movie! You can find “Belle” on Amazon.

I always recommend that families double check that movies are right for them before watching them. My favorite resources for this are www.kids-in-mind.com and commonsensemedia.org.

Sensitivity Caution: There is a place in the movie where a man grabs Dido’s breast in a very disrespectful way, as he tells her that she should be his mistress. There is also a lot of racism (obviously) and stories of the mistreatment and deaths of slaves.

Discussion


-Explain the historical and political background of the age.
-Why were Dido’s guardians so perplexed as to what to do with her?
-Why did they exclude her and never expect her to marry?
-Did they love her?
-Why did Dido turn down the offer of marriage?
-Why did her cousin say such hurtful things?
-What risk was the young lawyer taking in his career, and why did he do it?
-Why did Dido decide to marry him?
-Have you seen racism (toward any race) in your community? How do you personally feel about other races than your own?
-Is there anyone you know in general who doesn’t fit in? How can you help them feel more included?

Tell me in the comments!

How have you handled racism in your community? How do you teach your children about it?

Don’t miss out!

Related Posts

Seven Movies About Black Heroes
Clean, Romantic Movies for Valentine’s Day
If You Cancelled Netflix, Here Are Some Alternatives

Previous Post: « Three Great Writing Conferences for Teens
Next Post: How To Make Sure Your Kids Love To Read »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Hi! I'm Jen. Wife, mom of 5, and someone who is deliberately trying to shape the family culture in our home by focusing on uplifting and inspiring media and other resources. If you are looking for an alternative to negative pop culture- you're in the right place!

SIGN UP FOR MY FREE QUICK START EMAIL COURSE: MEDIA THAT MATTERS!

5 ways in 5 days to deliberately use media to inspire and teach character.

Shop My Favorites for Kids:

Find All MY Recommendations At Amazon Here!

Raise The Good Store

Let’s Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Footer

Related Posts

temple grandin
Temple Grandin: Appreciating the Gifts of Autism
A Way to Understand Movie Ratings
Movies That Will Teach Your Kids Compassion
laughing man and woman
Funny Books and Movies For Hard Times
courageous movie
“Courageous”: Movie Review

Copyright © 2023 · captivating theme by Restored 316