Billy Elliot
 
reviewed by H.J.
Kim I cannot understand how a tender, inspiring film like Billy Elliot
could possibly receive an R rating by the MPAA! I congratulate the many parents who
accompanied their children to the theater and allowed their young minds to witness one of
life’s most valuable lessons -- to be courageous enough to pursue one’s dreams
despite the boundaries created by social prejudice. Billy Elliot is British
director Stephen Daldry’s directorial debut. Set in 1984 Durham, England amidst the
troubled coal miner’s strike, it tells the uplifting story of a young boy who
endeavors to find his own identity in a working class community where violence and social
unrest are the norm.
Newcomer Jamie Bell is cast as Billy Elliot, an
eleven-year-old son of a widowed coal miner, Jackie Elliot (Gary Lewis). Jackie and his
eldest son Tony (Jamie Draven) are both on strike and must picket daily against the scabs
who cross the picket line. As long as there’s no income supporting the family, Billy
is left to look after his senile grandmother and is forced into after school boxing
lessons at the neighborhood gym. As his best friend Michael teases, Billy is not
particularly good at boxing, but when he decides to join in on a girl’s ballet class
held in the same gym, he discovers a hidden talent.
Billy’s natural form and energy quickly impress the
disgruntled, chain-smoking instructor, Mrs. Wilkinson (Julie Waters). It isn’t long
before Billy secretly swaps the fifty pence he paid for boxing, for ballet lessons.
Dancing becomes an outlet for Billy, as the tension and hostility at home increases. By
the time his disapproving father discovers his secret, Billy has developed a passion for
ballet. Risking further punishment from his father, Billy agrees to rehearse secretly with
Mrs. Wilkinson in preparation for an audition to the Royal Ballet School in London. As
Durham is a traditional, small mining community diminished by financial hardship,
Jackie’s conflict with Billy’s artistic dreams proves to be as difficult to
overcome as the grueling miner’s strike.
To simply label Billy Elliot as a film about dancing
is a grave misconception. Dance in this dramatic comedy is more a symbolic representation
of freedom, vitality and the courage needed to combat fear. Billy does not instantaneously
transform into a graceful dancer. His passion for dancing is more about his desire to
discover a place where he is free to express himself. Consequently, most of Billy’s
invigorating dance sequences are juxtaposed with contrasting images of violence and rage
amongst the picketers. Billy’s movements frequently reflect frustration and pain.
Watching him release his inner turmoil through dance is absolutely contagious. I, for one,
did not miss a step and felt rejuvenated after each dance.
A movie this inspiring must be shared by moviegoers of all
ages. Superb acting combined with a witty, well-crafted script, Billy Elliot is one
of this year’s very finest. Don’t miss this ****1/2 special treat! |
