Billy Elliot [2000]

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

Luckily though, this film goes beyond those levels and into ones which are only reached by the best of the best. The acting is fantastic and Jamie Bell deserves all the credit he is getting for his superb performance.

The storyline has two themes, the famous boxer come ballerina one and the picket-mining aspect which help you follow the whole family in their personal and financial problems whilst raising Billy. Billy wants to be a ballerina but his Dad and brother refuse the idea as they have been brought up with boxing and coal mining. Billy is helped through in an emotional but hilarious story, by his dance teacher played brilliantly by Julie Walters.

This is a must-see film and go more then once so you can digest all sides of the story and for two hours watch a little boy become a star.


Best film since Richard Attenborough's Gandhi!!!!!   February 3, 2003
Andrew Carlish (Amstelveen, Netherlands)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

It is almost impossible to write in words (especially for a non-English speaker) the impact this film has had on me when I first saw it. I can say it in one word only: fabulous, fantastic, moving, touching, great, must-see, incredible. And of course Jamie Bell is the top star. He should have gotten an Oscar for his performance. His acting and dancing is phenomenal. His best dancing/tapping act is when you see him dancing and tapping on the roof of the shed next to his house and in the streets, after Mrs. Wilkinson pays a visit to his house to inform his family about the audition. You see Billy literally breaking free from his brick confinement. What more can I say. To me this film ranks among the top-5 best films ever made.


My favourite film   December 26, 2004
11 out of 13 found this review helpful

I saw Billy Elliot for the first time when I was quite young, and didn't understand the numerous complex issues involved in the story. When I saw it again several years later, I was moved to tears by several of the scenes, and found it one of the most sensitive, witty, blunt and beautiful films I have ever seen. It encounters problems that were very relevant at the time it is set, and deals with them completely adequately and with a touch of humour to soften the blow of some of the more heart-rending scenes- not that these are often very obvious, but will choke you up all the same. The acting is second to none, and it tugs at your heart strings at the same time as delivering some hilarious one-liners along the way. Also the best soundtrack in a very, very long time.


One of the most moving films ever, definitely!   July 17, 2001
vesa.kurikka@qpr.fi (Espoo, Finland)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Quite simply, this is a masterpiece. Excellent script, superb acting and a combination of other factors make this one of the most moving films ever. Not perfect in every sense, but the slight shortcomings are easy to forgive. Jamie Bell is truly amazing as Billy Elliot, and it is his acting and low-key charisma more than anything else that make this film such a piece of magic that it is.


An understated masterpiece   March 20, 2003
Arctic Fox
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Set against the grim backdrop of a northern town in the middle of the coal strikes, this film takes a simple tale and turns it into a masterpiece. Following the story of Billy, a young boy with a passion & talent for ballet, the film takes us through all the trials & tribulations as Billy finds his way in the world and escapes the hopeless life which would otherwise face him. The film has it all - a sharp script, wonderful characterisation, superb, directing & cinematography and a wonderful, dry wit. The film oozes passion and intensity and Julie Walters & Jamie Bell give outstanding performances. In many ways the film is beautifully understated, yet the power evoked by the dance sequences will send shivers down your spine.

I challenge anyone to watch this film without being moved to their very core!