"You were cute. White, but cute."
---Whoopi Goldberg.......GHOST

Set in a small coal mining town in Durham County England, young Billy Elliot finds an escape from the angry existence surrounding him during a strike by the miners' union through ballet. As the only male in the town's ballet class, his spirit captures the fancy of the middle class teacher, who arranges an audition with the Royal Ballet school in London. Billy must deal with the stigma of gender roles presented by his widower father and hard-ass older brother who are part of the striking union. He has sympathetic friends in his grandmother (a former dancer), the teacher's daughter, and an androgynous boy. Memories of his late mother also serve to keep him on the "straight and narrow".

First time director Steven Daldry delivers a straight forward drama with comedic touches that is an honest portrayal of a young man who dares to dream of a better life. The film is an excellent exploration of the class struggles evident within England without being preachy. One effective "gimmick" has Billy dancing through the streets of the town in front of troops that are there to protect the "scabs" and the mines. Jamie Bell as Billy (first movie role) deftly carries the film, drawing me right into his soul. British stage actress Julie Walters delivers a fine performance as the ballet teacher who reaches out to Billy. Gary Lewis as the father torn between supporting the union and doing what is best for his son also comes through wonderfully.

The only small quibble I had is with the thick accents. A quarter of the time I have no idea what they are talking about. Ah the English!

My Grade - A-

Rated R for language and mild violence.

"Bad table manners, my dear Gigi, have broken up more households than infidelity.""
---Isabel Jeans......GIGI