Pure magic, intensely delightful if a little superficial

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2000)

I walked into the cinema not knowing what to expect and that really rewarded my viewing. It was quite realistic - but also sweet and endearing. It contrasted the harsh realities of the mining protests (with great cinematography) with this boys gentle love of ballet who is caught between his love of a "poofy" art with the harsh realities of redundancy in his own family.
Jamie Bell's performance is truly unique and upon thought, mildly disturbing. His role as Billy Elliot is slightly dysfunctional but also unbelievably intriguing. Even though everyone has praised this movie and this actor way too much, he really deserves a shout when it gets to OSCAR time. I'm not sure it will do the lad any good, but for his performance in the film alone, he should at least be nominated.
I was taken back by the dance sequences which were pretty sensational. It was a light-hearted film but the dance scenes were intense and quite poignant at times. I was intrigued by his way of expressing his anger through dance - quite astonishing.
Bad points - I still do not like how the film ended. Its too trite for my liking. At one point, sentimental music spoiled a good moment in the film near the end when Billy starts dancing in front of his dad. It would have been more surreal if they just left the music out of that scene entirely - I like surreal!
All in all, this film is heart-warming yet foul-mouthed, delightful yet at times superficial - but most of all, its well worth a watch.