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Young Billy (Jamie Bell), however, continues on with his
life - school and boxing - until he accidentally come across
a ballet class run by the straight-talking Mrs Wilkinson (Julie
Walters).
Taken with the music and the dance, he secretly drops boxing
and takes up ballet - a brave thing to do in the hard north.
His secret is not discovered for some months and when his
dad (Gary Lewis) finds out he is not best pleased. Neither
is his older brother who is furious that young Billy wants
to dance rather than play footy or box.
Now, while there are many who would say: "Seen it before",
the plot of Billy Elliot does not follow what you may think
is the usual storyline.
Billy is not a senstive outsider, or loner, he's a full on
young lad who likes the girls and all he wants to do is fulfil
his passion to become a great ballet dancer.
He is, however, unable to confront his dad about it until
finally bursting out with a full-on routine in the gym.
Without ruining the story, or your enjoyment of it, it needs
to be said that Billy Elliot then leaps to another level.
And, if you're not fighting back tears (or even blubbering
away) - then you're just not human!
Jamie Bell was cast as Billy from out of more than 2000 kids
who auditioned and he is just terrific as the stubborn boy
who dreams of greatness.
Julie Walters puts in her best performance since Educating
Rita, in my less-than-humble opinion, and Gary Lewis is
absolutely heartbreaking, then uplifting, as Billy's dad.
The transfer, both visual and audio, are excellent.
Billy Elliot is a must, must-see movie that should not, in
any way, be relegated by the guys to the chick-flick basket.
Conclusion: Movie 95%, Extras 60%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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