Belle

[The Sparrow]

Finally, saw this with some winning tickets.

A gentle period drama, so beautiful, touching and moving. I cried as soon as the father was saying goodbye to Belle. Did not know about the slave trade in UK (I know, I lived a very sheltered life!), only heard about the US, so this is a very enlightening film for me in this respect. It is incredible, if guests were dining she could not dine at the same table, because of her colour, even though she was related by blood.

A really fascinating story. Looking at racism and sexism at the same time. a bit of romance thrown in, beautifully film, and sumptuous costumes, all did it for me. Very Jane Austen but very predictable.

Emily Watson, always lovely to watch. Tom Wilkinson was really good here. Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Belle was enchanting, and her cousin was well portrayed by Sarah Gadon. Felt Tom Felton was type-cast. Some familiar faces, Penelope Wilton springs up her as the spinster aunt, as well as Miranda Richardson as Tom's mum, and Alan McKenna, as Harry the carriage driver, who provides some humour.

Enjoyed spotting all the London locations.

7/10

Many UK ports prospered on the back of slave trading.

[prettyxcool]

Many UK ports prospered on the back of slave trading.

I have been reading up on the Zong ship massacre and the famous Lord Mansfield's landmark verdict.

"A sailing ship representing Zong was sailed to Tower Bridge in London in March 2007 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, at a cost of £300,000. The vessel housed depictions of the Zong massacre and the slave trade. It was accompanied by HMS Northumberland, with an exhibition on board commemorating the Royal Navy's role in the suppression of the slave trade after 1807."

http://www.london.gov.uk/media/mayor-pr ... tower-pier

I wonder where the replica ship is now?

[prettyxcool]

Just caught up reading this thread. I avoid reading anything until I have seen the film. Very interesting reviews here, and I see I missed the free book!

[The Sparrow]

Many UK ports prospered on the back of slave trading.

I have been reading up on the Zong ship massacre and the famous Lord Mansfield's landmark verdict.

"A sailing ship representing Zong was sailed to Tower Bridge in London in March 2007 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, at a cost of £300,000. The vessel housed depictions of the Zong massacre and the slave trade. It was accompanied by HMS Northumberland, with an exhibition on board commemorating the Royal Navy's role in the suppression of the slave trade after 1807."

http://www.london.gov.uk/media/mayor-pr ... tower-pier

I wonder where the replica ship is now?

Maybe one to ask the London Tourist Board or maybe the Royal Navy or a maritime organisation may be able to help you.

I can't find anything other than when it was moored at Tower Pier for a little while.