199. Billy Elliot; movie review

BILLY ELLIOT

Cert 15

110 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language

Yes, it really is 20 years since Billy Elliot jumped across our screens and had us cheering for the lad who chose ballet over boxing.

But it would be wrong to describe Stephen Daldry's movie as simply 'feelgood', There is much pathos and even deep political comment worked alongside Jamie Bell's boy with the dancing feel.

Bell's career was launched after he was selected ahead of hundreds of hopefuls for the part of a lifetime.

He is more than just a superb younger dancer - his acting gives a clear indication of great roles to come.

Billy Elliot came to our screens 15 years after the miners' strike which was very much in the present when I began my journalism career in a Staffordshire mining community.

As a greenhorn, I was never on picket-line duties but learned plenty about solidarity and hardships while compiling golden wedding reports and the like.

Those were the days when we spent time in subjects' homes and were invited in for tea and cakes even though many could barely afford either.

Thus, I empathised with Billy's widowed dad (Gary Lewis) and older brother (Jamie Draven) who play out-of-work miners during the dispute.

The pair are hard as nails fellas who baulk when Billy decides he wants ballet rather than boxing lessons.

Julie Walters is warm-hearted but typically belligerent as his teacher who sees that the young boy has huge potential.

There is the clash of cultures, the politics of the pits and even a bit of sexual exploration which made both Mrs W and I giggle.

The combination topped off by Bell's non-stop energy makes it one of the classic movies of the 21st century. I loved watching it again.

Reasons to watch: The history, the defiance and the joy

Reasons to avoid: Unnecessary swearing

Laughs: Three

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 10/10

Did you know? Jamie Bell was going through puberty at the time of filming. Some of his dialogue had to be post-synched as his voice had broken. And the opening scene in which he jumps up and down on a bed to T. Rex's "Cosmic Dancer" was shot over a lengthy period of time. For the latter takes, Bell had acquired hair on his legs and had to have them shaved.

The final word. Jamie Bell: "That wasn't really acting to me. That was my life. I'd put ballet shoes down my pants to hide them from my friends. I'd done all this before." The Guardian

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