1984: In a northern England mining town, miners are on strike and the atmosphere is tense. Eleven-year old Billy Elliot, whose father and brother are participating in the strike, whose mother has died quite some time ago and whose grandmother is not completely aware of what's going on, doesn't like the brutal boxing lessons at school.

Instead, he falls for the girls' ballet lessons.

When his folks find out about this unusual love of his, Billy is in trouble. Being supported by the ballet teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson, he keeps on training secretly while the work situation as well as the problems at home get worse.

Finally, Mrs. Wilkinson manages to get Billy an audition for the Royal Ballet School, but now he also has to open his heart to his family.

Billy has a gay friend Michael (also 11 years old) who is experimenting with dresses and make-up.

Michael is very fond of Billy but Billy doesn't love him that way. Billy is very casual about the whole matter. 

It brings a tear in your eyes, a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. What else do you want.

It is a good movie with a realistic script, great casting and wonderful directing.

Dad: Have you noticed anything wrong with Billy lately?
Tony: What are you after like, a list?

Billy: Just because I like ballet doesn't mean I'm a poof, you know.

Mrs. Wilkinson: Find a place on that bloody wall and focus on that spot. Then whip your head 'round and come back to that spot. Prepare!

Mrs. Wilkinson: Right Mr. Braithwaite, the sun will come out tomorrow. Fat chance.

Billy: So what about your mother? Does she have sex?
Debbie: No, she's unfulfilled. That's why she dances.
Billy: She dances instead of sex?! Your family's weird!

Billy: I don't want a childhood. I want to be a ballet dancer.

Debbie: Do you fancy me?
[Billy's silent.]
Debbie: Do you want to see my fanny?

Billy: All right, all right, don't lose your blob!

Billy: Miss, you don't fancy me do, do you?
Mrs. Wilkinson: No, Billy. Funnily enough, I don't. Now piss off!
Billy: [smiling] Piss off yourself.

Dad: I'm bustin' my ass for those 50 pences and you're - look, from now on, you stay here and look out for your Nana. Got that?! Good.
Grandma: They used to say I could have been a professional dancer if I'd had the trainin'!
Dad: WILL YOU SHUT UP?!
Billy: I hate you! You're a bastard!

Grandma: I used to go to ballet.
Billy: See?
Dad: All right for your Nana, for girls. No, not for lads, Billy. Lads do football... or boxing... or wrestling. Not friggin' ballet.

Mrs. Wilkinson: Please yourself, darlin'.

Debbie: I'll show you me fanny if you want
Billy: no, that's ok

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