Billy Elliot (DVD, 2001)

This is an inspiring film about a boy coming from a small coal mining town in Northern England who aspires to become a ballet dancer. As his father and brother struggle for their jobs admidst a strike among coal miners in their area, Billy secretly studies ballet with the help of their local ballet teacher Mrs Wilkinson (played by Julie Walters). Worries arise when his father discovers this - and the struggle that Billy goes through, going against all odds to fulfill his dream, is truly inspiring.

I love the film for the moments that tug on your heartstrings. Billy's passion for dance - like the time he practices his pirouttes in the bath and that time that he dances off his frustration in the streets with the Jam's "This Town Called Malice" are memorable moments. I especially love the parts with Billy and his family - the time that they had to chop up his mother's piano for firewood and those times with him and his father - are heartwarming, because you really feel that despite the adversities that they face in their life, they still stick together and they truly care for each other. Most excellent in this film is Jamie Bell's performance as Billy Elliot, as you can really feel this young boy's passion for dance with his performance in the film.

If you'd like to see an uplifting, heartwarming well made film, Billy Elliot is highly recommended.

I found Billy Elliot to be a unique, touching story. It is a story about following your heart- no matter what the sacrifice. Billy is a young boy at a tender age when the opinions of others (especially his family) matter- yet, he has the courage to take up "dance" against the wishes of his father and older brother.

As his skill develops there is conflict in the family and financial hardship. Despite his initial anger and embarrassment, Billy's father ends up making some big sacrifices in order to send his son to dance school in London.

The movie felt very real. It drew me into the lives of the family members. There was anger, frustration, desire, fear, sadness, and love, all expertly portrayed in the faces and emotions of the characters so that you felt like you were there, as an unseen witness, to something that was very real. Yet, at the end, you realize this is just a movie, after all! Very nicely done. I loved the movie and will see it again.

It is rare that I can call a movie one of my favorite films of all times. BILLY ELLIOT has become one of those. There are many levels of this magnificent picture that make it excel: the portrayal of the extreme hardness of the coal miners who are going through one of the great modern-day crises in England; the difficulties families go through to keep themselves together as a unit no matter the hardship; and most of all, the anguish and humiliation people must sometimes endure in order to fulfill their dreams.

This is about Billy Elliot, played by a boy (Jamie Bell, cast from out of over 2,000 boys auditioned in Northern England) who had never acted on film in his life. Bell carries the movie like a seasoned actor, and relates to the viewers Billy’s yearning to be a dancer without one breath of being maudlin or cutesy. This is a movie of triumph over the nearly impossible--about one boy who is surrounded by a macho world that think boys should be football players or boxers--anything but “poofy” dancers. There are many wonderful moments in this film and they all lead up to one of the most incredible endings I have ever seen. In fact, after finishing watching the movie at home, I ran the ending five times, finally giving up to the avalanche of tears that fought to be released! This is a movie to be cherished and watched frequently. How sad that a film with such inspiration should come along so rarely. Let there be more by this great writer, director and cast of actors. And let us see much more of Jamie Bell, who will undoubtedly be a major name after he reaches adulthood. One day I expect to see him accepting an Oscar.

Great to see Billy making his dream come true while coming from very complicated family. I know it was very difficult for Mr. Elliot to destroy the piano to keep his family warm and selling his dead wife's jewelry to get Billy to his audition; "out of something bad, the most wonderful thing happened."

Eleven year old Billy (Jamie Bell) is trying to survive in a Durham County town during the 1984 miners strike that is affecting his family. His widowed dad (Gary Lewis) wants Billy to take boxing lessons but the boy is more interested in the ballet class taught at the same gym by hard living Mrs. Wilkinson (Julie Walters) whose daughter Debbie (Nicole Blackwell) taunts Billy into trying to dance. Billys natural talent is so great that Mrs. Wilkinson encourages him to audition for the Royal Ballet School in London. Of course when his dad finds out whats going on, theres trouble. The film has all around appeal and some fine performances. Jamie Bell, who is a young Fred Astaire, makes his film debut.

Wonderful, delightful uplifting movie. Not for all though. Language can be pretty rough at times, even though it is coming from the kids. Also...very heavy English accents are often hard to understand, so keep the remote handy. Overall...great film, especially if you like dance. I bought it because it is highly reccomend it.

If you want to feel joy this movie is for you. But get out your box of tissues! This movie is inspiring and is for everyone. It's more than worth it to buy it.

Fast ship. Item as described in new condition. Thank you very much and we will look forward to buying from you again.

I was very happy to receive my DVD of Billy Elliot in a timely manner. It came in good condition. I have no problem at all.

Shipping was fair, and product was forwarded promptly. In good condition, as advertised. Would buy from seller again.

I love this movie!!! it is gritty, tender & funny with great music, explosive dance and characters who grow and struggle through hard times, loss and prejudice but never do you not feel the love that binds them. The movie ends with triumph and the viewer longing for more.
I am going to see it on the london stage in August 2009. can't wait!!
Joan

A fantstic movie - very true to life. It captures the true feel of the time the British Miners were on strike and the anguish felt by all involved in the North of England. Billy Elliott is a truly beautiful movie. You can feel the confusion that Billy feels about wanting to be a Ballet Dancer and not wanting his family to know. The end bought a tear to my eye! The soundtrack, too, is great. "A+A+A+A+ All The Way" for this excellent movie!!

One of the best stories ever. The acting was just great, however, the northern British accents were very hard to understand on the first viewing, still you've gotta see it. Jamie Bell was simply terrific as Billy the main character.

IHEARD THATTHIS MOVIE HAS BEEN MADE INTO A BROADWAY SHOW SO I WAS INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT IT. ALSO I AM ENGLISH AND WANTED TO SEE ENGLAND AGAIN

I bought the DVD because I saw the play on Broadway recently. The play and movie were similar and different. The DVD was really great but not a musical. Really enjoyed it, bring out the kleenex. Very heartwarming!

This movie is just a very inspirational movie! A boy who lives in almost poverty, working hard on his goals and making it!

One of the best feel good movies I had ever seen. Strong message of tolerance and acceptance. I never get tired of watching it.

This is a great movie that is based in the UK during a pretty rough period of time (it appears). It is great in that it shows that boys don't always have to do what boys are "supposed" to do when they're young.

Great movie about boys struggle to be himself and his fathers acceptance of him. Heartwarming and enjoyable.

Came in the condition stated and within the time period. The DVD had no scratches or damage to it, neither did the DVD cover. Everything was good.

I bought the movie as I hadn't seen it before, but saw the award-winning play in London's West End this Christmas! So, I was inspired to see the movie! Although it accurately depicts the social unrest during the mine closings in Northern England during the Thatcher administration, the story will have broad appeal to viewers. It's just a wonderful movie about life's struggles and relationships and aspiring to one's dreams despite the obstacles! A "must see" movie!

If the story doesn't make you walk away feeling good, then the music should. Anyone who has ever felt that urge to dance down the sidewalk, or twirl in the grocery will enjoy this movie.

It was a very good price. It said it was used but there wasn't a single scratch that I could see. It arrived on schedule. I was very pleased.

Billy Elliot is one of those coming of age movies that, in retrospect, you are positively joyful that there can't/won't be a sequel.

It is the story of a young boy's dreams opposing the wishes of a parent. Although it represents a metaphor for a struggle told myriad times previously, it hit close to home, as I struggled with things as a child that were opposite the wishes of my father. In the end, there was grudging agreement that my success was important, as were my wishes to have the approval, and inclusion, of my father in those successes.

As well, the actor playing Billy Elliot is a fine young man who portrays a 'feet happy' child with zeal. I can only hope that anyone who buys this movie will watch it occassionally to re-affirm that there is truly more than one side to any dispute.