Billy Elliot (2000)

Director:

Stephen Daldry

Writer:

Lee Hall (written by)

Release Date:

29 September 2000 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Music

Tagline:

Inside every one of us is a special talent waiting to come out. The trick is finding it.

Plot:

A talented young boy becomes torn between his unexpected love of dance and the disintegration of his family.

Plot Keywords:

Ballet | Strike | Miner | Boxing | Miners Strike

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 49 wins & 54 nominations

Cast

Jamie Bell	...	Billy Elliot
Jean Heywood	...	Grandma
Jamie Draven	...	Tony Elliot
Gary Lewis	...	Dad (Jackie Elliot)
Stuart Wells	...	Michael Caffrey
Mike Elliot	...	George Watson
Billy Fane	...	Mr. Braithwaite
Nicola Blackwell	...	Debbie Wilkinson
Julie Walters	...	Mrs. Wilkinson
Carol McGuigan	...	Librarian
Joe Renton	...	Gary Poulson
Colin MacLachlan	...	Mr. Tom Wilkinson (as Colin Maclachlan)
Janine Birkett	...	Billy's Mum
Trevor Fox	...	PC Jeff Peverly
Charlie Hardwick	...	Sheila Briggs

Also Known As:

Dancer (France) (festival title) (UK) (working title)
Billy Elliot (France)
Билли Эллиот (Russia) [ru]
Billy Elliot (Poland) [pl]
Billy Elliot (Turkey: Turkish title) [tr]
Billy Elliot (Denmark) [da]
Billy Elliot (Finland) [fi]
Billy Elliot (Spain) [es]
Billy Elliot - I Will Dance (Germany) [de]
Billy Elliot: Quiero bailar (Spain) [es]
Gennimenos horeftis (Greece) [el]
Little Dancer (Japan: English title) [en]

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some thematic material. (edited version)

Runtime:

110 min

Country:

UK | France

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Malaysia:U | Finland:K-8 | South Korea:12 | USA:PG-13 (cut video version) | USA:R (theatrical release) | Philippines:PG-13 | Argentina:Atp | Australia:M | Canada:PG | Chile:TE | Denmark:7 | France:U | Germany:6 (bw) | Netherlands:AL | New Zealand:M | Norway:11 | Peru:PT | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:T | Sweden:7 | Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | Ireland:15 | Singapore:PG | Hong Kong:IIA | Iceland:L

Filming Locations:

Canary Wharf Underground Station, Canary Wharf, Isle of Dogs, London, England, UK

Company:

Arts Council of England

Trivia:

The musical version of the film, which hit the West End in 2005 to rave reviews and numerous awards and nominations, reportedly cost £5.5 million to make: around £3 million more than the film version.

Goofs:

Continuity: Right after Mrs. Wilkinson slaps Billy on the face, at the locker room, we see her from behind with her hands on her face (at 00:47:33 with fingers as if praying). In the next shot, her hands are in a totally different position (at 00:47:34 with clasped hands on her face).

Quotes:

Mrs. Wilkinson: So. Do we get the pleasure of your company next week?
Billy: It's just, I feel like a right sissy.
Mrs. Wilkinson: Well don't act like one. 50p please. And if you're not coming again give us your shoes.
Billy: [thinks] No, you're all right.
Mrs. Wilkinson: Right.

Movie Connections:

Featured in 'Billy Elliot': Breaking Free (2001) (V)

Soundtrack:

Town Called Malice

A wonderful example of good quality writing, acting and art

Billy Elliot is a wonderful story of a young boy overcoming obstacles to participate in the one activity that takes him away from his troubled family life. By dancing, Billy unleashes his frustrations, yet also receives much criticism by participating in a less than macho sport. Every aspect of this movie was well done: the acting was superb, the characters were complex but believable, but the cinematography alone takes the cake. The cameras look at things from some very interesting and unusual views. Every shot was well planned out and every item in the background had importance.

This is one of the best movies I've seen recently and one that definitely shouldn't be missed by anyone that believes in following his or her dreams.