Some problems, but generally good

Rating: 6/10 (5 April 2020)

BILLY ELLIOT is a mix of tough working class drama and feel good northern comedy; KES meets THE FULL MONTY, if you will. I enjoyed it although I don't think it's a particular classic. The main character feels more than a little hollow to me, you don't really learn much about him other than he likes dancing. Jamie Bell has the physicality but otherwise I felt him a bit one-dimensional. What makes up for this is the excellent 1980s backdrop, which has an air of grit and authenticity to it; that steep Durham street becomes a character in its own right. Details involving the striking miners and the difficult family situation are done just right. While I don't think it's as good as the two films I mentioned above, it's still worth checking out for fans of the feel-good rags-to-riches genre.