Billy Elliot
Life in an out of business coal mining town would be very hard for all his residents. Under the rein of Thatcher’s government, chaos was exploding on to the streets of Durham, providing the perfect setting for Lee Hall’s Billy Elliot. Billy (Jamie Bell) has found away to relieve the pressure of the infamous miners strike in the 1980s, through the means of performing arts; ballet. Without the support of his father and brother, Billy confides in his ballet teacher (Julie Walters) to make him into a shining star. We follow him through his epic journey into stardom, resulting in one of the most powerful, inspirational films of 2000.
Billy Elliot is a simple tale, fuelled by strong performances from the cast. Jamie Bell gives life to the character of Billy Elliot extraordinarily, showing a softer side beneath his defensive, hard shield he is forced to hide behind. Luckily for Billy, he has an un-usual friend he can confide in, along with his harsh but supportive ballet teacher; Mrs, Wilkinson. Julie Walters plays a Royal Ballet school standard instructor in poverty struck town. She encourages Billy to follow his passion despite what others think. Billy’s father (Gary Lewis) is the polar opposite of what Billy needs to help him along the way, but liberates his supportive side and takes Billy to his big audition.