"Billy Elliot" does exactly what you think it will do. But the playing out of this wonderful and inspiring story is the real joy of it. Foreseeing it's obvious outcome does not injure the film in the least.

The film concerns the titular young man, played by the exceptionally talented Jamie Bell. It's 1986 and things are tough for the 11 year old boy. His father and older brother are coal miners suffering through a strike, his grandmother is getting older and more senile as the days pass and his mother is no longer alive. Billy tries desperately to fit in and make sense of life while an exceedingly obvious love of dancing begins to envelop him. Caught in a patriarchal household and industrial working class world with no ability to express himself artistically, Billy's love of dance is kept secret from all but one ballet teacher, Miss Wilkinson, who sees much promise in her young pupil.

What is most amazing about "Billy Elliot" is that it becomes not only about a boy's struggle to find himself in this world, but it subtext becomes about sexuality and finding yourself in this arena as well. The film's gentle surprises involving Billy's young friend Michael, played wonderfully by Stuart Wells, becomes as much a metaphor about acceptance and tolerance of those different than the norm as can be imagined. "Billy Elliot" is a plea for allowing young people to express themselves, to explore the world and their place in it, to find themselves and become comfortable in their skins. It's a beautiful and astounding work of art in this arena.

Yes, the script by Lee Hall is awesome and this is surely a major part of the film's success. But the plot works so well because Bell is, without a doubt, one of the most talented and charming young performers to ever grace the screen. If his impish smile and hungry eyes do not win your heart than his expressive movement and unflinching determination will. Watching Bell dance is nothing short of awe inspiring. This young man puts every ounce of energy into his performances. He works so hard in the film that he often grunts in his exertion due to his seeming overwhelming desire to express himself through movement and dance. A scene where Billy, in pain - and angry about his predicament, dances as hard as any dancer we've ever seen, is a particular standout. Bell, as the character, seems to be unable to stop himself from moving. It's as if his emotions and anger have taken control of his body and his mind is no longer in control of his muscles. Bell dances with a fury and a passion not seen in 50 years. It will amaze you!

Director Stephen Daldry is wonderfully adept at every aspect of the film. The drama, the comedy, the joy and the angst of the piece are consistently expressed through some of the most imaginative and delightful dance sequences ever filmed. That Daldry sets these dances to modern British rock is pure joy. Watching Bell move through songs by The Jam and The Clash as well as the oft-used T-Rex is exhilarating stuff. Daldry allows the drama (and the amiable comedy) of the film to act as backdrop to some of the most passionate and breathtaking dance sequences ever seen.

The actors surrounding Bell consistently do everything correctly. They have the power here to create a world for Bell's Billy to exist, one which allows his talent to flourish, and their support of his work through their performances is simply wondrous. Julie Walters plays Billy's dance teacher, a crusty yet lovable middle-aged woman who gives her all to the boy. Walters hasn't been as predominantly seen in a movie since the roles were switched in her 80's outing "Educating Rita" and she was the student rather than the teacher. She, like all of her costars, are welcomed participants in this delightful film.

But the true star of "Billy Elliot" is, of course, Jamie Bell. As masterful and delectable as his dancing is, it is his characterization that truly wins us over. Watching this brilliant young actor move through this plot will fill your heart with joy and love. It's a remarkable film. "Billy Elliot" doesn't just make you want to dance, it makes you want to cry and love and hope and dream as well. It fills you up emotionally in every way. In this, it is glorious.

That this film is rated "R" is yet another travesty of an increasingly pointless America ratings system. Yes, the film uses the word "fuck" quite a bit and there is some sexuality included, but this is a film every young person should be allowed to witness. It's remarkable in it's ability to open our minds and our eyes. It is nothing short of a celebration of the human spirit, the beauty of existence and the joy that comes from being allowed to truly be yourself. Isn't that what America is supposed to be about?

Note:

Bell has been dancing since he was 6. He is from Bellingham, England and publicity for the film says his story parallels that of Billy in that "he has successfully hidden his dancing talents from all of his classmates. Bell was cast after the filmmakers looked at over 2000 young men for the lead.

At one time the film was known as "Dancer." The title may have been changed to avoid confusion with the film "Dancer in the Dark," which was released around the same time.

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