Billy Elliot

2000
R
1h 50m

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

146K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

3,365

354

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Coming-of-Age Period Drama Showbiz Drama Drama Music

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

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

146K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

3,365

354

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 3 Oscars
- 55 wins & 71 nominations total

Trivia
Jamie Bell was going through puberty at the time of filming. Some of his dialogue had to be post-synched as his voice had broken. And the opening scene in which he jumps up and down on a bed to T. Rex's "Cosmic Dancer" was shot over a lengthy period of time. For the latter takes, Bell had acquired hair on his legs and had to have them shaved.

Goofs
Billy's brother listens to music in his room (at around 42 mins) while wearing headphones but in cuts to the father and grandmother in other rooms in the house they hear the music as well. Some stereos allow the use of headphones and speakers together.

Quotes
Tutor 1: What does it feel like when you're dancing?
Billy: Don't know. Sorta feels good. Sorta stiff and that, but once I get going... then I like, forget everything. And... sorta disappear. Sorta disappear. Like I feel a change in my whole body. And I've got this fire in my body. I'm just there. Flyin' like a bird. Like electricity. Yeah, like electricity.

Alternate versions
An edited version was released in the USA rated PG-13 that tones down the language.

Connections
Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Remember the Titans/The Exorcist: The Version You've Never Seen/Under Suspicion (2000)

Soundtracks
Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails
Performed by Fred Astaire
Courtesy of Turner Entertainment Co.
Composed by Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin Music Corp.
By kind permission of Warner/Chapplel Music Limited

User reviews502

Review

Featured review

Simply Fantastic

I went into this movie expecting to hate it, and found myself instantly smiling at the playful opening credits with Billy jumping on a trampoline. From there on it just got better and better. The wasn't even a minor character that I could say needed work. The cast as a whole was brilliant - and surprising at times. The father and brother come off as these one-sided brutal characters in the beginning and then as you watch, they become two of the most well constructed and acted characters this year and for who knows how long. Jaime Bell is brilliant for a first-timer and his dance is wonderful. There are also so many layers to the film. From brilliant cinematography to wonderful symbolism both in the script and in the music (listen for the tune Billy is playing on piano in the main score during the big moments). The music on a whole was brilliantly picked and I don't think a single element was overlooked or addressed. If you haven't seen this movie - GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND INTO THE THEATER! It is truly an experience that everyone should have and I hope to see more from this writer, director and a brilliant new face in Jaime Bell.