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B illy Elliot
Set in 1984 in northern England, a young lad from the poor side of town drops boxing for ballet, while his father and brother struggle with the current miners strike.

Directed by Stephen Daldry
Written by Lee Hall
Cinematography by Brian Tufano

  Jamie Bell as Billy Elliot
Julie Walters as Mrs. Wilkinson
Jamie Draven as Tony Elliot
Gary Lewis as Dad (Jackie Elliot)
Jean Heywood as Grandma
Stuart Wells as Michael
Mike Elliot as George Watson
Janine Birkett as Billy's Mum
Nicola Blackwell as Debbie Wilkinson
Billy Fane as Mr. Braithwaite
Colin MacLachlan as Mr. Wilkinson
Joe Renton as Gary Poulson
Running Time: 110 min.
Release Date: Oct. '00

Overall Call:
Much ado was made of this film and its potential for an Oscar. It took me a while to see it. It just seemed to be another feel good flick trying to ride the coattails of The Full Monty. Well it just barely eeked out ahead of my expectations. The film was competent overall. The story rather predictable and direction was adequate. The main strengths of the film lie in the hands of the cast all turning in very strong performances. Jamie Bell as Billy had some shining moments and was solid most of the time. Also of note was Julie Walters as Billy's mentor, she's a real hoot. All in all it's a nice little feel gooder. If in the ra ra mood catch it. Everyone cheered and clapped at it's conclusion, I just felt it to be a bit predictable.

Reasons For Recommendation:
+ Strong cast of characters
+ If feel good you want, feel good you get

Rating:

 
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