Inside every one of us is a special talent waiting to come out. The trick is finding it.|Sep. 28, 2000|France|110 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama;Music
Description: Billy Elliot, released in 2000, is a heartfelt film about an 11-year-old boy named Billy from the fictional town of Everington in County Durham, England. Set in 1984, Billy dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer, despite living in a mining community where such aspirations are uncommon. He lives with his widowed father, Jackie, and his older brother, Tony, both of whom are coal miners involved in a strike. Their grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, also lives with them and once aspired to be a dancer herself.
Initially, Billy’s father enrolls him in boxing lessons, but Billy finds no joy in the sport. Instead, he becomes captivated by a ballet class that temporarily uses the gym due to their studio being repurposed as a soup kitchen for the striking miners. Without his father’s knowledge, Billy joins the ballet class. When Jackie discovers this, he forbids Billy from continuing, but Billy, passionate about dancing, secretly continues his lessons with the support of his dance teacher, Sandra Wilkinson.
Sandra recognizes Billy’s talent and believes he has the potential to study at the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London. However, Billy misses the audition after his brother Tony is arrested during clashes between miners and the police. Despite this setback, Sandra informs Jackie about the missed opportunity. Initially resistant and fearing societal judgment, both Jackie and Tony disapprove of Billy pursuing ballet.
Over time, Billy’s passion and talent become evident. He supports his best friend, Michael, who confides in him about being gay. Jackie eventually witnesses Billy dancing with Michael and realizes his son’s extraordinary gift. Determined to help Billy achieve his dream, Jackie decides to take action. Although Sandra offers to cover the costs for the audition, Jackie insists on handling it himself. With the help of his community and the proceeds from pawning his late wife’s jewelry, Jackie ensures Billy can audition in London.
Billy Elliot is a moving story of perseverance, family, and breaking societal norms, showcasing a young boy’s journey to follow his dreams against all odds.
Cast director: Stephen Daldry
Cast actor: Jamie Bell, Gary Lewis, Julie Walters, Jean Heywood, Jamie Draven, Stuart Wells, Mike Elliot, Billy Fane, Nicola Blackwell, Carol McGuigan
Original name: Billy Elliot