Rated R

(Language)

Directed by Stephen Daldry

Dad - Gary Lewis
Billy Elliot - Jamie Bell

My Rating: B


"Billy Elliot" is one of those movies that follows a "been there, done that" formula, yet adds a certain amount of charm and authenticity that it ends up adding a whole dimension to this genre. This is a British film with a touch of "Full Monty", while telling a simple, touching story about a boy and his dream. "Billy Elliot" takes young Jamie Bell to center stage in an energetic, appealing performance of conflict through an identity crisis.

The life of a miner's son in Northern England is forever changed one day when he stumbles upon a ballet class on his way to boxing lessons. Joining the class, but keeping it a secret from his widowed father and overbearing brother, 11-year-old Billy finds himself in dance. His instructor encourages him to try out for the Royal Ballet School, but when his father and brother find out and forbid him to continue, Billy is torn between his responsibility to his family and to the gift with which he has been blessed. His overwhelming desire to dance has become much more than a form of self-expression. It is his passion and it is his destiny.

From the opening credits it is pretty apparent that this is not a movie that is going to surprise you with its multitude of twists and turns. We've all seen the miner's-son-who-has-a-dream genre, but screenwriter, Lee Hall, added authenticity to the script. The characters felt real to the point that they weren't acting anymore. Their reactions and conflicts were honest and realistic.

Hearing a British say "p*ss off" or "poof" makes me laugh all the time. Maybe it's the funny British accent, or my occasional immaturity. The British language is humorous in its own unique way. The language in "Billy Elliot" was very genuine. Unfortunately, I'm far from being familiar with all of the British expressions, but it didn't take too much away from the atmosphere of the story.

The newcomer, Jamie Bell, definitely brought this movie into a whole new level. Jamie Bell as the young Billy is very impressive as he manages the complex emotions his character goes through. He's also outstanding at the dancing - managing not just to be great at it, but also to show us a progression as he struggles to become that great and the effort it takes to keep it up.

Billy, who through his unexpected love of dance, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in the world of picket lines, cultural stereotypes, a family in crises and a headstrong ballet teacher. This is a feel good movie for anyone that's ever had a dream but struggled to realize it. Yeah, I know, we've seen this before, but it always feels good to remind ourselves that we can be anything we want.









Recommended: Yes