Review of Billy Elliot (2000) by Molly M — 24 Jul 2009
Every once in a great while a film comes along that so blinds a person to its faults that he labels it "perfection." Billy Elliot is that film for me. Rarely does a film capture so exquisitely the passion of youth without letting it become melodramatic or cliche. At its core, this is a film about following one's heart no matter where it leads and refusing to let judgment or antagonism scuttle a dream or anesthetise the soul. Billy Elliot reminds us that we must push forward, we must try, and we must love deeply. And, it does all that with a strong wit and an amazing soundtrack.
Jamie Bell, as the title character, proves his acting chops at a very young age. He carries a very challenging role on his small shoulders and does so with bravery, humor, and a smile that will melt his most resistant critic. Much like Billy with dancing, Jamie understands that acting is 90% risk and 10% study. Julie Walters, as Billy's ballet teacher, plays her character Mrs. Wilkinson with such skill and passion that she too deserves special mention here.
Kudos also belongs to the film's music supervisor Nick Angel who created perhaps the second most important character in the film outside of Billy. Mr. Angel's choice of mixing classical ballet tunes with 1980's British punk may at first seem surprising, but it so captures the undulations of our young protagonist's life that we almost fail to take heed to how important a character it is in creating and modifying this film's mood.
I am confident that no small number of viewers will revile against the rather stereotypical Hollywood ending to this film. I have no response to such critics other than to encourage a second viewing of the film . . . it may just soften your heart.
No one can shake my resolve that Billy Elliot is filmmaking at its best. You really should consider revisiting this small little cinematic gem. If you've yet to have the pleasure, may I encourage you to just buy the DVD as it is one that you'll most definitely want to watch again.
This review of Billy Elliot (2000) was written by Molly M on 24 Jul 2009.
Billy Elliot has generally received very positive reviews.
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