Billy Elliot
- Director: Stephen Daldry
- Writer: Lee Hall
- Producer: Charles Brand; Greg Brenman
CGiii Comment
In a league of its own...
Stephen Daldry and his sensitivity manage to make this film soar - high above anything you have ever see before.
Those of a certain age...will, most definitely, get more out of this film...those dark Thatcher years. Mixing politics with ballet is...something that many wouldn't attempt...and, just like all master story-tellers, Billy Elliot's writer achieves the impossible...making a dream come true.
You will laugh and the tears will flow uncontrollably - let them.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
County Durham, during the endless, violent 1984 strike against the Thatcher closure of British coal mines. Widower Jackie Elliot and his firstborn, fellow miner Tony, take a dim view of 11 year-old second son Billy's poor record in boxing class, which worsens when they discover he sneakily transferred to the neighboring, otherwise girls-only-attended ballet class. Only one schoolmate, closet-gay Michael Caffrey, encourages Billy's desire, aroused by the teacher, who judged him talented enough for private lesson, to train and try out for the world-renowned Royal Ballet audition. Only the prospect of a fancy career unimagined in the pauper quarter may twist pa and big brother's opposition to indispensable support.
Cast & Characters
Jamie Bell as Billy Elliot;
Jean Heywood as Grandma;
Jamie Draven as Tony Elliot;
Gary Lewis as Dad;
Stuart Wells as Michael Caffrey;
Mike Elliot as George Watson;
Billy Fane as Mr. Braithwaite;
Nicola Blackwell as Debbie Wilkinson;
Julie Walters as Mrs. Wilkinson;
Carol McGuigan as Librarian;
Joe Renton as Gary Poulson;
Colin MacLachlan as Mr. Tom Wilkinson;
Janine Birkett as Billy's Mum;
Trevor Fox as PC Jeff Peverly;
Charlie Hardwick as Sheila Briggs