Billy Elliot (2000)

I loved it! Great all round & inspiring. I definitely recommend it.

Billy, the adolescent son of an embittered striking coal miner, not only “hears a different drummer”, he steps (dances) “to the music which he hears.” Henry Thoreau’s poem aside, over coming antagonism to rise from obscurity and fulfill a dream is a well-used cinematic motif. Aware that audiences know the hero will triumph at the film’s conclusion makes it difficult for a director to fashion a storyline less predictable with fresh and original identities without resorting to clichés and sentimentality. Alas, it doesn’t happen. However, Jamie Bell as ardent and energetic Billy (his exuberant street dance was a joy to watch) and Julie Walters as no nonsense middleclass Mrs. Wilkinson, his ballet teacher, do save their characters from being stereotypical. Three and a half stars.

Just scraped through for 3 stars. Many may find it way too cliched and perhaps note the lack of dancing skills of the main character?

A delightful movie, and the music is pretty good too. A young man with huge talent that could not be stifled. The acting was first class, Billy, his lady tutor and mentor, his dad..... Time is well spent watching this one.

An inspiring story, funny and poignant. The whole family loved it.

Do yourself a favour and see this film. A touching and heart warming story that is sure to please.

Lots of fun and some stirling truthiness in here too.

I have just seen the excellent stage musical and wanted to re-visit this movie. Jamie Bell, Julie Walters and Gary Lewis brilliant. The director, Stephen Daldry-who also directed the musical- does a superb job and persuades us to believe this, essentially unbelievable, story. It is a must-see.

Splendid story of young boys struggle to overcome stereo typed upbringing in the north of England in the 1980's. Heart warming and emotional film depicting boy's eventual overcoming father's plans for him, and him finally achieving his dreams to be a ballet star! Exceptional acting from whole cast.

As well as a story about a boy pursuing the realisation of his talent against apparently insurmountable odds, this is also a story of the destruction of a way of life by Margaret Thatcher and her government, and showcases the heartlessness and cruelty with which she mounted her "reforms".

A very moving but at the same time a funny & quirky movie with an uplifting story & conclusion. Young Jamie Bell is a great little acotr with hopefully a bright future, either as an actor or maybe a dancer. Julie Walters is wonderfully crusty. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Sometimes difficult to understand, but brilliant none the less.