Billy Elliot (2000)
This heart-wrenching and ultimately triumphant coming of age story is set against the heated emotions and violent turmoil of the mid-1980s miners’ strike in northern England.
Growing up in a troubled working-class family in a gritty coal mining town, eleven-year-old Billy Elliot is expected to be tough. His father, a widower, even gives him a small allowance each week to take boxing lessons. After more knockdowns than punches landed, the boy realizes that his talent is not in the ring.
One day after yet another defeat, he happens upon a ballet class taught by the no-nonsense, chain-smoking, straight-talking Mrs. Wilkinson, and he feels a connection to dance. He convinces Wilkinson to allow him in the class, the only boy among a bevy of tutu-wearing girls. When she realizes he has exceptional talent, she encourages him to audition for the Royal Ballet School of London.
Billy is wise. He comes from a family of hardened coal miners and ruffians. Dancing would not go over well with his gruff father and troublemaker brother, so he keeps his lessons a secret—but not for long.
On strike and out of work, his father visits the gym where he learns that his son is spending his allowance, not on boxing, but on ballet. He forbids Billy to dance. What happens next is journey of love and growth for Billy and his dad.
The Dallas Observer calls it “…as howlingly funny as it is touching.” Billy Elliot will have you cheering for the boy, who against all odds, is determined to follow his dreams.
All movies are shown at the historic Tryon Movie Theatre in downtown Tryon. Tickets are $11, all inclusive, for individual showings.
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