georgiamknight A great heart warming film that touches the soul of its viewers. Billy Elliot is funny, and tender, the mother and son relationship between Billy and Mrs. Wilkinson is certainly endearing to any audience.

classicsoncall Where I thought this film was going in the early stages was for Billy (Jamie Bell) to take up ballet dancing as a way to improve his stamina and footwork for the boxing ring. That would have made sense in what appeared to be a fairly male dominated society in an English county reliant on coal mining for it's livelihood. Even though Billy's Father (Gary Lewis) and older brother Tony (Jamie Draven) initially derided his dancing initiative, there comes a point in the story when the coal strike takes it's toll, and it's understood that the mining industry is all but over, and ballet may be the only way out of poverty for the youngest son. The film follows somewhat of a standard formula which includes a supportive and sympathetic dance instructor (Julie Walters), snickers from the sidelines over Billy's decision to dance, and a close friend who's friendship with Billy is tested regarding his sexuality. None of these factors ever seem to reach a critical point that would have broken the resolve of a less committed individual, and therefore Billy's struggle doesn't have the kind of epic feel similar stories tend to have. It's not bad mind you, it's just that Billy's struggle never really faced a crucial test, even with the audition for the Royal Ballet. Yes, there was some tension built in waiting for Billy's acceptance, but by that time it's pretty well recognized by the viewer that the film isn't going to let you down.I recall that the movie received generally positive reviews when it first came out. This was my first viewing, and for a film nominally regarded as family fare, it probably could have done with a lot less use of the 'F' word and swearing in general, particularly by the principal character. Maybe my expectations on that are somewhat out of date, but I have a thirteen year old grandson who doesn't use the kind of colorful language Billy did. I don't think removing the obscenities would be any kind of handicap, in fact if it's not there, who's going to miss it?

cadence921 An 11 years old boy Billy Elliot is sent to a boxing gym by his father, but he likes not boxing but dance. One day, he takes part in a ballet class which is given in the gym. He wants to become a ballet dancer, but his father opposes.I felt Billy's passion and his family's, especially father's affection for Billy. Parents love their children more than anything else with one thing or another.This film skillfully shows sense of hopelessness of the country town and the emotional conflict which the adolescent boy has.Music is rhythmical and pleasant.Scenes where Billy dances are very good because I was able to fell his emotion from his dancing.Also this film made me think about sexual discrimination again. I think that we mustn't take it for granted that boys should behave like boys or girls should behave like girls.I realized the wonderfulness of having a dream and supporting a person who pursues his or her dream through this film.

SnoopyStyle It's Durham Coalfield, North East England 1984. There is a violent strike against Thatcher and the scabs working the coal mines. Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell) lives with widower father Jackie (Gary Lewis) and older brother Tony. Both of them are former miners who would take a dim view of Billy's love of dance. His Grandma is losing her mind. Instead of boxing, he starts going to Mrs. Wilkinson (Julie Walters)'s all girls ballet class.Director Stephen Daldry is trying too hard to cute this one up. Billy doesn't have to dance in the boxing ring. He just has to be pathetic. Jamie Bell is a good little actor but he looks too angry to be funny. His jumping around is quirky but not hilarious. He's better to be quietly hiding instead of confronting his father. I wouldn't call this feel-good. It's Julie Walters and Gary Lewis who elevates the material. They're are a couple of veteran actors who bring substance to this fanciful tale.