One word sums it up: Brilliant

Rating: 9/10 (9 August 2001)

I was a bit late seeing Billy Elliot. It has been out for quite some time now, and I'd seen the trailers and read the synopsis and to be honest, despite all the rave reviews, it seemed like one of the dullest movies of the year. But when I finally watched it, I was left silent. I'm sure everyone knows the story by now. The performances from the cast were brilliant. No doubt about it, Jamie Bell as Billy the hopeful ballerina made an outstanding performance. Bell's facial and body expressions completely reflected how he felt. When he was angry, frustrated he let it all out in his sometimes manic dancing! Julie Walters gives a good portrayal of Billy's dancing teacher, and Gary Lewis creates a realistic relationship with Billy as his father. Jamie Draven as Tony, Billy's bad-tempered, 'hard man' brother gives an excellent performance that was totally underrated. Rarely was his name mentioned in reviews of Billy Elliot, even though he gave the film the realistic attitudes that a working class Northern English family would have. Now that I've watched Billy Elliot, I understand what all the fuss was about and promise never to judge a film until I have seen it for myself! Billy Elliot is now a firm favourite of mine. 10/10!