One of My All-Time Favorites

Rating: 10/10 (9 January 2013)

The mark of a truly great film is its ability to transport you to another part of the world and make you truly care about the characters, their lives, and their daily struggles.
Billy Elliot is just such a film. I saw it years ago (even before it was turned into a hit Broadway musical), and instantly fell in love with it. I've watched it several times again when it's aired on cable TV. What a gem of a little movie, and what a richly woven screenplay by Lee Hall. What a legacy of love for his native England. This movie is, on a lot of levels, Mr. Hall's love letter to his country.
Be prepared to fall in love with England, the English, and especially, Billy Elliot. This movie paints a broad portrait about humanity with many universal experiences. At the same time, it is an intimate glimpse into what makes the English English, and endearingly so. I loved the sweeping scenes of striking coal miners, the multigenerational relationships, the dashed hopes and dreams, and the lilting hope of a young boy who wants nothing more than to dance, dance, dance.
To the lucky who have not yet seen this film: You are in for a huge treat. Enjoy.