Billy Elliot (2000)

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

Nominated for 3 Oscars:

Best Director: Stephen Daldry
Best Supporting Actress: Julie Walters
Best Original Screenplay

For years I had avoided Billy Elliot because I had this suspicion that it's more dramatic than expected. And even though it has its uncomfortable moments, the film is much more positive than I thought it would be. I am happy I've seen it; I don't love it, I didn't fully enjoyed it, but I respect it because it's a beautifully made film.

Julie Walters gives a solid, adequate performance as the witty bitchy ballet teacher, but I still feel like I don't have a Best Supporting Actress 2000 favorite. Jamie Bell has more dancing to do than acting, but that doesn't take away from his performance, which is good, quite emotional at times and maybe he did deserve an Oscar nomination.

Stephen Daldry holds a very interesting record. This is his first movie and since then he has received Best Director nominations for all his first 3 films, which has never happened before. I appreciated a lot his direction here as he nicely combines dance scenes with more dramatic ones. And I'm gonna mention Jean Heywood who plays the grandmother, probably the most heartbreaking character of the film; the short scene where she says goodbye to Billy is very very touching.

My rating for the film: 7/10. Unfortunately, I don't love it as much as I should've. But I totally respect it and understand its Oscar nominations.