4.0 out of 5 stars FROM BOXING TO BALLET..., April 27, 2006
By Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle) - See all my reviews
(TOP 10 REVIEWER) (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)
This is a heartwarming film, made all the more delightful by the wonderful, breakout performance of newcomer, Jamie Bell, in the leading role of Billy Elliot. The son and brother of coalminers, Billy is given boxing lessons by his father but is drawn, instead, to learning ballet. So, he surreptitiously takes ballet lessons. When his father finds out, all hell breaks loose, as in the macho world of his coalminer father and brother, this is tantamount to a sign that Billy is gay.

Billy's teacher, however, thinks Billy has talent, and attempts to persuade the father to permit Billy to audition for the Royal Ballet School. At first, the father refuses. He is ultimately won over, when Billy gives him a private dance performance so passionate that even he is moved, So, Billy then goes off to London for the audition. What happens next is sure to move even the most stone hearted viewer.

This is ultimately a film about hope and the ability to realize one's dreams. Well acted, it is a film that is sure to delight the viewer. The only real flaw in the film is the sound quality, which tends to be somewhat uneven. All in all, however, this is an excellent film and well worth watching, if only for Billy Elliot's dance scenes.
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