Synopsis
Set against the backdrop of the 1984 British miners' strike, Billy Elliot follows an eleven-year-old boy from County Durham who discovers a love for ballet while attending boxing classes. Despite fierce opposition from his grieving father and brother, Billy's raw talent and determination inspire his family to support his dream of attending the Royal Ballet School.
Did You Know?
- Jamie Bell was chosen from over 2,000 auditioned boys.
- Director Stephen Daldry had never made a feature film before.
- Jamie Bell actually trained in ballet for the role.
- The film was set during the 1984-85 miners' strike.
- It was later adapted into a successful West End musical.
Iconic Quotes
- 'I don't want a childhood. I want to be a ballet dancer.'
- 'Once I get going, I forget everything. And I sort of disappear.'
- 'Boys don't do ballet.' 'Michael Jackson can dance, don't he?'
- 'You'll always be my son, and nothing will ever change that.'
- 'Not just the steps, the music, the dance, what it means to express yourself.'
