"Billy Elliot" as another reviewer already said, improves with each watching. Jamie Bell gives a performance of a lifetime. Julie Walters does a terrific job as well. Excellent movie.

"A young boy in a poor mining community in Northern England, wants to learn ballet, to which he seems a natural at, despite his disapproving father who feels that ballet is un-manly." Now, doesn't that sound like the hokiest premise ever? But, you'd be surprised.

Really beautiful film. Bell and Waters are simply superb.

Compelling and funny at sporadic intervals. Otherwise pretty by-the-numbers. Would have given this three or four points if not for Jamie Bell's performance. I got the impression that the film got away with its maudlin sentimentality, cynically constructed melodrama and banal use of montage to the soundtrack of played-to-death British rock "anthems" on the back of it being set in County Durham where of course people talk and act so differently. As a resident of the area myself and having been born in the town that this film was set, I resent that the makers of this film made no attempt to give audiences from elsewhere any idea of what it feels like to live here.… Collapse

great story, great dancing. although not as good as the musical in London

"Billy Elliot" is every bit as cloying and smarmy as you think it's going to be. The movie is little more than a tarted up remake of "Flashdance" or "Showgirls" or any of a hundred other movies where a plucky, unschooled main character tries to dance his or her way to fame. I feel less intelligent for having seen this movie.

Such a feel good film, made me feel like dancing! Great performances from a top class cast.

Having never known a thing about the art of ballet, this movie inspired me to delve into its history, heritage, and amazing athleticism. Would like to have seen more of Adam Cooper, who's incredible talent is wasted insofar as he is given only a cameo appearance. A great ending, but Cooper was given short shrift in my opinion...

This was one of the best movies I have seen!

I loooove Jamie Bell in Billy Elliot. He's soooo hottttt!

This young actor may dance but he cannot act. It's agonizing to watch this boy being beaten and ridiculed by his father making the movie more monotonous. This scottish movie really did not have what it takes to be a brilliant movie.

I loved this movie. It was funny and touching. I have to say was one of the things I loved about this movie was seeing Stuart Wells in a dress. :-)

I think it's a very inspirational movie! It's the best! Jamie Bell Rocks!

A good, but not great, movie. I liked watching the relationships between the characters change; the writing was subtle but powerful. The dance scenes were lots of fun to watch.

This movie was great! The acting was so superb; expect to see Bell more in the future. The movie combines comedy, tragedy, and drama into the most well-rounded movie I've seen in a long time. It's one of those movies where you just fall in love with it the first time you see it. It's impossible not to give a standing ovation to the cast and crew. It truly was an amazing film.

There are, surprisingly, some good British films -- ones that aren't even set during the miners strike -- and there are many naff ones: this is the naffest of the naff. Predictably manipulative.

"Billy" is pretentious and boring, plodding and formulated and any other bad term you can ponder upon.

Some good parts, and a very talented lead, but incredibly manipulative overall. Not an unpredictable moment!

"Billy Elliot" only improves with each viewing--and I can say that with experience, as I've seen it 6 times now. It is beautifully executed, as you'll notice even more on your second and subsequent viewings. "Elliot" is a film I return to when I need a shot of the possibilities of joy in this life. Wonderful performances all 'round, but especially from Jamie Bell and Julie Walters. Thanks to director Stephen Daldry for a subtly detailed, delightful work. One of my favorites of 2000, and highly recommended.… Expand

Why are you reading this? Get up now and go see this movie. Wonderful acting (the best this year) by Jamie Bell. Too bad the script just doesn't quite ring true (otherwise itd bea 10++) But don't let that stop you. Still here?