He's the child of a working class family. His mother is death and his father and older brother are both on strike from the mines. It's his responsibility to take care of his dottery old grandmother. His name is Billy Elliott and he's 11 years old.

The film Billy Elliott tells the story of Billy and his family in County Durham in England. They're a poor family, but deep down they care for each other more than they can show. Billy's dad sends him off to boxing lessons every week, even though he can't afford the 50p. Billy, in turn, opts to spend the money on ballet lessons in place of boxing. When his teacher recognizes Billy's innate gift, she encourages him to audition for the Royal Ballet. But when the time comes for the audition, Billy can't go because his brother is arrested.

The film, directed by Stephen Daldry, is just delightful. Even though almost every scene felt like something we've seen before, it really doesn't matter a bit. The setting, in a coal miner's strike, reminded me of the Zola novel "Germinal" and the domineering coal mining father who didn't understand his son's aesthetic aspirations is a lot like the Homer Hickham novel "Rocket Boys," both of which have been made into movies.

Nor does it matter that things all feel rather predictable. The success of this film is its pondering of the essence of beauty, coupled with family values that warm the heart. On more than one occasion I found use for a tissue or two. Coupled with the family values issues comes the poignant issue of adolescents exploring their dreams, and their sexuality. Billy's family thinks that being a ballet dancer means he's gay. It's a thought shared by Billy's best friend, Michael, who is gay, and makes a pass at Billy.

There's a lot to love in this film. I really enjoyed the energy of Jamie Bell as Billy. His dancing was just perfect for an 11-year old coal miner--all heart and not too much skill. And Julie Walters felt tangibly real as the chain smoking ballet teacher. But I mostly loved Gary Lewis as Billy's dad, who, throughout the film, displayed the essential ingredients of humanity. He didn't understand his child, but he fiercely loved him, and wanted to do all he could to make things right.

I loved Billy Elliott.


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