Film instantly evoked memories of Ken Loach

Rating: 7/10 (23 June 2019)

As the title of this review suggests this film quickly evoked comparisons to your typical Ken Loach film.
Directed by Stephen Daldry it follows the highly unlikely topic of ballet in a 1984 County Durham mining village in Northern England amidst the backdrop of the miners strike of the time.
That is one typical Loach trait. The left leaning political climate of the film.
The second is the older brother character to the lead Billy Elliot. It reminded me a little of the Jud character in the classic film Kes.
The plot concerns a young boy who instead of following the usual route of the local boxing gym ends up being taught ballet by Mrs. Wilkinson (Julie Walters).
I have never been disappointed with a Walters performance to be fair. She just has this comedic, down to earth manner.
The film has an excellent soundtrack from the 1970s vinyl of the Elliot family, a bit of The Clash and 'London Calling'.
The film was the springboard for the acting career of a young Jamie Bell in the title role of Billy Elliot.
A commercial success leading to spin offs such as the customary musical show.