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 | Love

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:

Jamie Bell is the only one of the four principals to actually come from the area where the film is set.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: In the mobile library scene, several book spines are clearly visible, revealing titles published well after the 1984 setting of the film: Lisa Appignanesi wrote 'Memory and Desire' in 1991, Barbara Taylor Bradford wrote 'Hold the Dream' in 1985, and Shirlee Busbee wrote 'This Spanish Rose', 1986.

Quotes:

[Billy is dancing while walking]
Dad: Is that absolutely necessary? Walk normal!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Will & Grace: The Finale (#8.23)" (2006)

Soundtrack:

London Calling

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.