Downton Abbey star's 'mesmerising' period drama that's perfect for Jane Austen fans

Those seeking a comforting period drama to settle into as autumn evenings draw in should look no further than this gem on Disney Plus, following praise for a "masterpiece" drama dubbed the finest film ever made and acclaim for a television series boasting legendary performers, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Released in 2013 and starring two Downton Abbey favourites, the motion picture draws loose inspiration from a real historical character.

Numerous film enthusiasts have previously lavished the production with glowing tributes on IMDb.

One standout critique branded it a "must see movie" and stated: "The acting was superb! I don't remember a movie in recent times that I enjoyed so much."

A second perfect-score assessment declared: "This coming of age story is masterfully told."

A third viewer remarked: "I walked out of the theater [sic][ stunned at this passionate story of love, justice, acceptance, and society."

They continued: "Films like this deserve all the attention they can get."

Another commentator noted: "I wanted to see this movie because it is a period piece. I did not know that it is based on a true story. I loved the settings, the costumes, the writing and the acting."

One critic characterised the historical drama as a "wonderful inspirational and moving Film", whilst another praised it as "costume drama with substance [sic]".

A further maximum-rated appraisal carried the headline: "Mesmerizing and romantic true story".

The reviewer elaborated: "The dialog, directing, performances, costumes, locations, and cinematography were all fabulous.

"It's based on the mesmerizing and romantic true story of the beautiful, intelligent, mixed race daughter of an admiral, who was raised in Georgian England by her aristocratic great-uncle and his wife [sic]."

Belle marked the directorial debut of British director Amma Asante and was loosely inspired by the real-life British aristocrat Dido Elizabeth Belle (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who was the illegitimate daughter of British Royal Navy officer Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode) and enslaved black woman Maria Belle.

The film followed Sir John as he took Dido and entrusted her into the care of his uncle William Murray, Earl of Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife Elizabeth (Emily Watson) after the child's mother died in the West Indies.

Dido was raised alongside her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray (Sarah Gadon) in London's magnificent stately home Kenwood House.

Despite their similar social standing, Dido remained aware of the differences between them as they grew older and suitors began to appear.

Both Dido and her cousin found themselves being courted by the Ashfords, however, the way the two women are treated is vastly different.

Alongside the romance, Belle delves into the British abolitionist movement of the era with a hopeful lawyer aiming to change the world.

The film also featured Downton Abbey's Penelope Wilton, Miranda Richardson, Harry Potter's Tom Felton, Grantchester's James Norton, The Crown's Alex Jennings, and Sam Reid from Interview with the Vampire.

The inspiration for the film came from a painting of Dido alongside her cousin, which is displayed in Kenwood House in London, near Hampstead Heath.

Currently, the property is under the ownership of English Heritage, allowing visitors to explore the grand house and its extensive grounds.

Belle (2013) is streaming on Disney+ now