In 2000, a young actor named Jamie Bell leaped onto the A-list following his truly astounding, toe-tapping feature film debut as the titular character in Stephen Daldry‘s coming-of-age musical drama Billy Elliot. The story of a gruff coal miner’s son who goes from boxing lessons to the world of ballet under the guidance of a sympathetic instructor (Julie Walters, who received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nod for her performance) was both a critical and commercial success, its fantastic 70s and 80s-fueled soundtrack ably lending itself to the subsequent stage adaptation (featuring music by Elton John).
Set against the bleak backdrop of Thatcherism and the 84-85 coal miner’s strike in Northern England, Billy Elliot finds himself gravitating towards ballet when he demonstrates a natural talent that draws the eye of the local teacher who recognizes the boy’s raw potential. The classroom becomes a safe haven for Billy; his stern, chain-smoking mentor becoming something of a surrogate mother-figure at a time when his home life is full of chaos and tension. When opportunity strikes, she encourages him to take his gift and use it to leap towards brighter a future – in the world of dance.
Sunday, July 3
Doors 3:00 pm | Movie 3:30 pm
Tickets $10 advance HERE | $12 at the door
*Minors OK in the balcony! Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service
**Groupons and passes OK for any single film! Please redeeem at the door.
BILLY ELLIOT (Stephen Daldry, 2000 / 110 mins / PG ) | A talented young boy becomes torn between his unexpected love of dance and the disintegration of his family.