Billy Elliot

DALDRY, Stephen. Billy Elliot. United Kingdom. BBC Films. 2000. 110 min.

         Billy Elliot is a British drama film that deals with an 11-year-old Billy Elliot and his love of dance. It is written by Lee Hall and directed by Stephen Daldry, who after a successful career in theatre started working in the world of cinema. He has won many awards with just three feature films: Billy Elliot (2000), The Hours (2002) and The Reader (2008).

         The film is set during the miners’ strike in the United Kingdom between 1984 and 1985. The central character is Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell). He lives with his widowed father Jackie (Gary Lewis) and his old brother Tony (Jamie Draven), both miners. He also has to look after his grandmother (Jean Heywood).

         Jackie is an old-fashioned father, who takes Billy to the Sports Centre to learn boxing even though Billy dislikes this sport. But one day a ballet class uses the gym because their usual studio is being used by the striking miners. Billy joins the ballet class and, surprisingly, he likes the experience. He begins to show interest in ballet, so he starts dancing secretly in his bedroom and in the bathroom. He also attends to Sandra Wilkinson's (Julie Walters) ballet classes, until one day when his father discovers this. He forbids Billy take any more ballet lesson. Nevertheless, Billy loves dancing and continues lessons with his dance teacher.

         Although Billy hasn’t got the support of his family, his love of dance is really strong. His courage and strength to follow his dreams, leaving aside prejudices, is the main issue of this film.

        Besides, this film has a fantastic soundtrack. The main protagonist is the British rock band T. Rex, with songs like “Get it on” or "I Love to Boogie". The Style Council and The Clash, with the famous song “London Calling”, also appear in this soundtrack.

         The film was well received all over the world. In fact, Melvin Burgess published in 2001 a book based on this movie. What is more, Billy Elliot the Musical premiered in London's West End in 2005 and was nominated for nine Laurence Olivier Awards, winning four including Best New Musical.

         Billy Elliot is a touching film which gives a message of hope and force to follow your dreams and never give up, no matter what others say or think. There is no other way to make your dreams come true.