Another film from the economically depressed north of England (where I grew up many years ago) is a story focusing on the inner conflicts and struggles of young Billy Elliot during the Miner’s Strike of 1984 – an event described by some as the most defining moment in British history since World War II.
In stark contrast to everything around him, Billy Elliot finds self-expression and fulfillment through the grace and poise of ballet. While his dad thinks that he’s learning life skills in boxing class, Billy is secretly donning his ballet slippers and perfecting his pirouette with the girls. When his family finds out they are furious, but Billy is determined to continue what has now become a passion. His anger and frustration build up and burst onto the screen in a terrific dance scene set to A Town Called Malice by Jam.
The movie is beautifully filmed – making much use of long shots to compress the image creating a sense of close community. The soundtrack features T. Rex, but as you might expect, Fred Astaire sneaks in too. The acting is superb, not only from the supporting cast including Gary Lewis as Billy’s dad, and Julie Walters (Shirley Valentine) as his ballet teacher, but also an amazing first performance from the 13 year old Jamie Bell who holds the film together as Billy Elliot. Certainly a movie well worth watching.
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