
Yes, the film is ultimately quite uplifting and wonderful, but it's also really tough-minded (sometimes overly so ¿ sensitive viewers might be surprised by the movie's grimness as well as the non-stop profanity). gay), Lewis brings such realism and sympathy that we can't just dismiss him as a dumb bigot.ĭirector Daldry and screenwriter Lee Hall are to be commended, as well, for not just making this the typical "inspiring" tale of the underdog who makes good. Although we laugh at his character's ignorance when he rails against Billy taking ballet (because, to him, that would make the boy a "poof" ¿ i.e. And Gary Lewis, as Billy's Dad, is equally fine he has a real Bob Hoskins working-class tough-guy quality, mixed with some genuine humanity. Educating Rita's Julie Walters is terrific as Billy's ballet instructor, who sees in him an extraordinary potential that is in jeopardy of going unfulfilled. Two other performances stand out in a big, big way. Julie Walters as Billy Elliot's ballet instructor It actually takes us awhile to warm up to Billy. In fact, Bell seems to have been directed by helmer Stephen Daldry to be everything but cute and endearing. Jamie Bell is quite wonderful as Billy we really care about this kid, but he doesn't have the affected quality that so many child actors possess. Probably the best thing about the film are the performances.
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That said, it's probably not as good as The Full Monty ¿ it's certainly not nearly as much fun ¿ but it does share Monty's mix of charming comedy and Ken Loach-like British working class bleakness. This is a modestly engaging little piece, very much aimed at audiences for whom a blurb like "It's this year's Full Monty!" would be an endorsement. Wilkinson (Julie Walters), Billy just might score acceptance at a prestigious ballet school ¿ if the circumstances surrounding his family don't conspire to hold him back. With the help of his crusty, chain-smoking ballet teacher Mrs.


He loves it, even though he has to keep his attendence at ballet classes a secret from his Dad (who thinks Billy is going to boxing lessons). The one bright spot in Billy's life is ballet. Billy's older brother (Jamie Draven) is also a mine worker, who's getting caught up in the violence between the police and the strikers.
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His mother is dead his Dad (Gary Lewis) is a miner out on strike who's worried about how to keep the family afloat. Go behind the scenes on the Mario Testino-photographed campaign, here.Ten-year-old Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell) is a lad living a bleak existence in Northern England.

None of the stars who took part in the film were paid for their involvement, all choosing to donate their fee to the charities as well. Inspired by this, Burberry is making a donation of £500,000 to be split between two charities, Place2Be and the County Durham Community Foundation, which have projects focusing on reducing barriers to education, training and employment in the local area. The original production of Billy Elliot established a legacy of charitable support for the local community of Easington, County Durham where the film is set. The film - which also stars models Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, returning to Burberry for the fourth time since 2008, her brother Toby Huntington-Whiteley and Naomi Campbell, also a former face of Burberry musicans James Bay and George Ezra presenter James Corden actress Michelle Dockery and Burberry favourite Romeo Beckham - was premiered last night at the brand's global flagship store on Regent Street in London.Īs well as showcasing Burberry's festive offering - and delighting our eyes of course - the campaign has a philanthropic element as well. "It was also a huge privilege to work with such amazing and iconic British talent - the cast are quite simply some of the biggest names in film, music and fashion and it was so much fun working with them all to make this special film." "Billy Elliot is an incredible film full of so much joy and energy, so it was a real thrill and a great honour to be able to celebrate its 15 year anniversary through our festive campaign," Christopher Bailey, Burberry chief creative and chief executive officer, said tonight. Starring an eye-popping celebrity cast - including Elton John, who wrote the music for the Billy Elliot stage show and Julie Walters, who starred in the film adaptation - the Burberry homage marks the famous musical's 15th anniversary, to the soundtrack of Cosmic Dancer by T Rex. BURBERRY has recreated the opening scene of Billy Elliot for its Christmas advertising campaign.
