Billy Elliot [2000]

Billy Elliot [2000]
Foursquare in the gritty-but-hearwarming tradition of Brassed Off and The Full Monty comes Billy Elliot, the first film of noted British theatrical director Stephen Daldry. The setting is County Durham in 1984, and things ‘oop North are even grimmer than usual: the miners’ strike is in full rancorous swing and 11-year-old Billy’s dad and older brother, miners both, are staunch on the picket lines. Billy’s got problems of his own. His dad’s scraped together the fees to send him to boxing lessons, but Billy’s discovered a different aptitude: a genius for ballet dancing. Since admitting to such an activity is tantamount, in this fiercely macho culture, to holding up a sign reading “I AM A RAVING POOF”, Billy keeps it quiet. But his teacher, Mrs Wilkinson (Julie Walters, wearily undaunted) thinks he should audition for ballet school in London. Family ructions are inevitable.

Daldry’s film sidesteps some of the politics, both sexual and otherwise, but scores with its laconic dialogue (credit to screenwriter Lee Hall) and a cracking performance from newcomer Jamie Bell as Billy. His powerhouse dance routines, more Gene Kelly than Nureyev, carry an irresistible sense of exhilaration and self-discovery. Among a flawless supporting cast Stuart Wells stands out as Billy’s sweet gay friend Michael. And if the miners’ strike serves largely as background colour, there’s one brief episode, as visored and truncheoned cops rampage through neat little terraced houses, that captures one of the most spiteful episodes in recent British history. –Philip Kemp

Customer Review: wow
This has to be one of my favourite films ever. Its such a lovely story and Jamie Bell is amazing as Billy Elliot. Its a must watch!

Customer Review: All a bit old hat
This seemed like a totally contrived Brit flick wanting to cash in on the success of films like the Full Monty. It was all put together with spirit and obviously meant well, but it was just so visibly contrived. The miner’s strike backdrop looks like a bit of an attachment, and a rather obvious choice to juxtapose young Billy’s un-miner’s son like activity. Saw this film coming a mile off, and it wasn’t exactly groundbreaking stuff.

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