An inspiring climb to fame against all odds

Rating: 8/10 (25 March 2002)

Persistence wins through for young Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell) when he auditions for entry into the Royal Ballet School. Throughout his young life Billy is spurned by his father who physically abuses him, declaring that "boys do boxing....sport....wrestling....not f****** ballet." But dancing is in Billy's veins. Encouraged by his local chain-smoking ballet teacher (Julie Walters) he gradually gains the necessary confidence at his weekly ballet classes.
The film gives you a nice warm feeling as Billy in his triumphant moments dances in the streets in sheer joy. There are some splendid contrasts in the film as it cuts from angry-faced striking coal miners to gentle ballet classes and soft fluffy tutus.
The music and dancing lifts the rather depressing atmosphere of this north England mining town where workers are losing their jobs, but it is by no means a "musical".
The final scene of "Swan Lake" fills you with pride and satisfaction.
I found only one drawback to the film. I was not able to comprehend a lot of the dialogue. I would like to have had the movie sub-titled.
If you have ever experienced an audition and performed in front of a selection committee, you will appreciate the feelings of a young boy striving to attain the seemingly impossible. His earnest persistence unites the members of his family.
An inspiring film, well worth watching for the sheer joy of it.