A United Kingdom

It's an unfortunate aspect of life that one's worth is proved by the color of their skin. Not their intelligence nor their personality, the very thing they have no ability to change. It's an ugly blight on humankind, and it's something that should be rectified immediately.

Of course racism is regularly a focus in fiction as it is in real life. Many creators -- regardless of their respective races -- have covered the subject and its effects extensively throughout the years. But sometimes the more compelling stories are the real-life ones.

Amma Asante's A United Kingdom depicts the romance between Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo) and Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), one that was met with immense controversy when they wed. (This was after World War II, mind you.) With Seretse being an heir to the throne in Bechuanaland (now Botswana), their marriage causes an even bigger strife amongst his people.

As she showed with her previous film Belle, Asante depicts a political angle on race. With a then-controversial relationship, she chronicles the extent of the scorn Seretse and Ruth faced. But at the same time, Asante becomes a little too interested in the politics of the story (which -- coincidence or not -- is what also befell Belle.)

That quibble aside, A United Kingdom is very good. Asante continues to have audiences keep an eye on her career path, and hopefully it won't be much longer before she gets that project that firmly puts her amongst the greats. (Seriously, not many female directors -- let alone ones of color -- have made a big impact from their first two films alone.)

My Rating: ****

Belle

The main flaw for many costume dramas is that they're rather monochromatic in regards with the cast. Very rarely do you see people of color outside of the role of a servant (or slave). Yes, they didn't have much status in society then but a change of pace isn't too much to ask for, is it?

Amma Asante's Belle thankfully breaks free of that barrier by focusing on the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate daughter of a Royal Navy officer. Granted, the film doesn't focus on her whole story but rather one particular time in her life: as a young woman.

It's noticeable throughout Belle takes after a Jane Austen novel, right down to the prospects of a suitable husband. Though in other scenes, the film gets more politically involved than any of Austen's novels. It gets a little disorganized when the two mix, but it's still interesting to watch.

Another key detail throughout Belle are the interactions between the characters, which coincidentally is another trait found within Austen's novels. It could something as simple as a parting glance or holding hands but it can leave an impact. (What can I say? I admire small details like that.)

Belle is very, very good most of the time. It's when politics get mentioned that the film becomes a bit muddled. Thanks to the performances from Mbatha-Raw and Tom Wilkinson (as well as Matthew Goode's brief but heartbreaking role), Asante's film provides a much bolder portrait than anything Jane Austen's ever written.

My Rating: ****1/2