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Billy (Jamie Bell), an eleven-year-old boy taking up boxing lessons, encounters a local ballet
class temporarily practicing at the village hall. Mesmerized by the dancers' magical movements, it unexpectedly ignites Billy's interest to join in the class and try the
exercise. The ballet teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson (Julie Walters), sees Billy's potential and this revives her waning interest in her craft. Meanwhile, Billy's father (Gary Lewis)
and older brother Tony (Jamie Draven) spend most of their time at the picket line of the miner's strike, barely able to provide food or heat for their home. Billy tries to
keep his interest in ballet a secret but when his dad discovers he is squandering money on this "unmanly pursuit", he bans him from dancing and boxing, and commands him to
stay home to look after his Grandma. Undeterred, Mrs. Wilkinson volunteers to train Billy for free and secretly follows a relentless regimen with him, hoping he'll audition
for the prestigious RoyalBalletSchool. But when the day of audition finally comes, Billy misses it because of Tony's encounter with the police. Feeling distraught, Billy
unleashes his emotions by dancing before his best friend Michael (Stuart Wells) at the village hall which was accidentally witnessed by the father. Recognizing his son's
talent he vows to let him pursue his dream. But how?
The film is greatly enhanced by the magnificent shots which are the creation of a truly gifted
cinematographer…..the mob scene, rowhouses, dance sequel, village cemetery. Appropriate music sets the various emotions projected in the story. The production design is
intelligently selected. Jamie Bell and Julie Walters are remarkable in their performance. But the film is not without its fault. There are few dragging scenes and inaudible
dialogue. Some viewers may find difficulty understanding the British accent of Northeast England.
Billy Elliot is the beautiful story of aspiring for what you want in life. Like Billy, one is asked to embark on a journey of self-discovery in this world of many opportunities. And like the ballet teacher, one is asked to tear down complacency and continually look for the silver lining. The movie is also about trust and friendship…how Billy's father gains the confidence of his friends who share their resources in pursuit of what he believes in. More importantly, it is about a father who recognizes the genius in his son and risks his own dream to follow his son's dream.
To dream dreams and have the courage to make them come true is a very positive message.
CINEMA highly recommends this film.
(Date reviewed: March 16, 2001)
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