MY RATING: ****
Jamie Bell plays Billy Elliot, an 11-year-old boy growing up in the North of England in turbulent times. His mother has died, his grandmother needs constant care, and his family (along with the community in which he lives) are suffering through the turmoils of the infamous miners' strike - especially his father (Gary Lewis) and brother (Jamie Draven) who are both miners on strike. Although he is encouraged by his father to participate in boxing classes, it is the ballet class that shares the hall which fascinates him most.
With the encouragement of ballet teacher Mrs Wilkinson (Julie Walters), he joins in with the classes and starts to express himself through dance. However, it is not all plain sailing for Billy. He knows that his father and brother think of ballet as ridiculous, and if they find out that he is dancing they will be furious. Things become even more complicated for him when Mrs Wilkinson suggests that he should audition for the Royal Ballet School, as that would mean leaving home and require money. It is the chance at a dream come true but, if Billy is to succeed, sooner or later he will need the support of his family - especially his father.
'Billy Elliot' is a touching film - a simple tale given power by strong performances from its cast. Jamie Bell is outstanding in the lead role, expressive and empathic, bringing Billy to life. Julie Walters is touching as the dance teacher who takes on the motherly role for Billy, and Gary Lewis and Jamie Draven are convincing as Billy's angry father and brother. There are no real surprises in the plot - this is unashamedly a happy-ending, coming-of-age, pursue-your-dreams drama, but the handling of it is remarkable and the characters sympathetic.
Watch it of the sheer delight it brings to your faces and simply for Jamie Bell, who gives the role of Billy, a lot of credibility.
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