you laugh, you cry

Rating: 10/10 (4 November 2000)

This is small gem of a movie that the British, French and Italian film industries specialize in. In other words, it's not a product of a big American conglomerate. This movie is about as far away from something like Scream 3 or Lethal Weapon 4 as you can get. It's the kind of movie Disney wishes they could make. Beautifully photographed, written and directed - the film contains two astonishing performances - one by a newcomer Jamie Bell in his first feature film as 11 year old Billy Eliott and one by his ballet teacher and mentor Julie Waters who hasn't had this good a role in many a moon. Don't wait for the crowds - go see it now - so when you laugh and when you cry - you won't disturb the people next to you. Leave the kids at home - it's rated R for language.