Billy Elliot
The Story It's the years of Thatcherism and the Union along with it's members are the enemy of the ruling class. Here amongst the struggle of humanity and the pressure cooker atmosphere of being on strike unfolds a gem of a story in Billy Elliot. There is so much depth here that it would be easy to pass up the opportunity to see Billy Elliot if it was just the story of an 11 year old boy and his desire to become a ballet dancer. Far from it, Billy Elliot is rich in drama, comedy and above all, a heap of fine performances. Yes you get that feeling that all his dreams will come true and there will be a feel good ending but that doesn't get in the way at all. Here among the working class families of coal miners there's no room for the unmanly ambitions of becoming a male dancer something that is a real threat to a mans sexuality. No here the manly sports are boxing and football.
But young Billy Elliot played to the hilt by 14 year old Jamie Bell finds in the local ballet class a world that takes him away from the constant struggles at home and the conflicts both his father and brother are involved with as the unionists battle to retain their jobs when the pit bosses bring in scab labour. Encouraged by an enthusiastic and sympathetic Mrs. Wilkinson (Julie Walters - Educating Rita) who runs ballet classes in the same hall as the boxers Billy discovers the his talents. There are many great character performances in this wonderful and absolutely charming film of human struggle and triumph, but you should discover that for yourselves. Supporting Stars Thats what makes Billy Elliot a beauty, the supporting cast. Standout performances from JULIE WALTERS, GARY LEWIS (Dad), JAMIE DRAVEN (Tony), STUART WELLS(Michael),NICOLA BLACKWELL(Debbie) together with Billy Fane as the pianist Mr. Braithwaite.

The Verdict Enough to raise a few tears from the hardest heart. Best described in two words "Absolutely Marvellous". Billy Elliot is definately not to be missed........ RATED M What The Critics Say "One of those rare movies that earns its feel-good ending without turning a blind eye to the compromises and little sorrows of everyday life." Steve Murray COX NEWS SERVICE "Billy Elliot has 'movie magic,' that ineffable cinematic sparkle which leaves the audience with a touch more forbearance than they had when they entered the theater." REEL.COM "It's not often that you overhear someone say with real feeling after the credits have rolled: 'That was a wonderful movie.'" Jane Sumner DALLAS MORNING NEWS "Manages to capture all the exuberance and physical energy that blasts out of an eleven year old title character and paints the big screen with a complete palette of full strength emotional colors." Chuck Schwartz, CRANKY CRITIC "I've been choked up by a film here and there, but it's been a while since a film put tears in the eyes of this reviewer." Ross Anthony HOLLYWOOD REPORT CARD "The unvarnished, non-enhanced spectacle of a human being executing a display of physical prowess will always have the power to astonish, and the young Mr. Bell proves this very nicely." Robert Horton FILM.COM "By setting this intimate conflict against a wider social drama, Daldry makes his portrait of a dancer all the more compelling." Leslie Camhi VILLAGE VOICE

The Cast

Julie Walters .... Mrs. Wilkinson Jamie Bell .... Billy Jamie Draven .... Tony Gary Lewis .... Dad Jean Heywood .... Grandma Stuart Wells .... Michael Mike Elliot .... George Watson Janine Birkett .... Billy's Mum Nicola Blackwell .... Debbie Billy Fane .... Mr. Braithwaite Colin MacLachlan .... Mr. Wilkinson Joe Renton .... Gary Poulson Carol McGuigan .... Librarian Charlie Hardwick .... Sheila Briggs

Directed by Stephen Daldry Copyright ©2000 - Universal Studios