The musical from this movie has hit Broadway now with rave reviews. My kids wanted to see it very much, so I screened this movie to see if it's appropriate material. What a fabulous story! There are so many good messages - about believing in yourself, being willing to take risks, being willing to try things that you're not good at. Even the hard-nosed father is willing to ultimately shed his convictions in order to help his son achieve his dreams. There is also a subplot of accepting a friend who has a very different lifestyle than your own. You must watch this with your kids, and be ready to explain labor unions, scabs, and strikes. You will need to discuss homophobia, especially the stereotypes surrounding it (i.e. in the movie the adult males all believe male ballet dancers are gay). You will also need to weigh in on your family's choice of language vs. the family in the movie. Lots of foul language in this film. My son is a dancer, and also discovered his love of ballet very young. The movie is remarkably true in its depiction of a kid who just has to jump and move, and who tries to pick out melodies at the piano. My son was exactly like this. The screenplay must be based on some firsthand knowledge. Lucky is the person who discovers what he loves at a young age, and is willing to persevere and pursue it. Even luckier if he gets extraordinary opportunities like Billy does. Very inspiring story. Note: you really must use the subtitles option with this one to understand the thick accents.
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Billy Elliot
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Terrific story of young ballet dancer has strong language.
Themes in this movie include: family relationships, growing up
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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What Parents Need to Know
About Billy Elliot
Parents need to know that this ultimately uplifting dramedy is rated R primarily for lanugage (an edited version was released on DVD with a PG-13 rating) -- everyone in the movie uses terrible language all the time. There are also references to transvestism and homosexuality, some discussion of sex among young characters, and a brief glimpse of bare buttocks when one character moons another. Some teens may be upset by the way that family members treat each other -- they're insulting, neglectful, and cruel, and one parent hits a child and threatens another -- but the overall takeaway is a heartwarming one.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about how the stress of painful external circumstances can affect family members' ability to be kind to one other. Why was the strike so important to Billy's dad and brother? How was that like -- and not like -- the importance of ballet to Billy?
- Why did Mrs. Wilkinson want to help Billy? Why was Billy's interest in ballet so terrifying to him? What made him change his mind? What do you think of Billy's dad's response when Billy says he's scared?
- What does it tell us that Billy's father had never been out of Durham, and that Billy had never been to see Durham's famous cathedral?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
Amazing Movie!
There is very bad language throughout, coming from the mouths of children. There is also some homophobic comments but they do eventually learn to accept it. In general, this is a very good movie!
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
good movie
well i learned a couple things. 1. a puff means in england 2. bill's friend is a puff. 3. boys cant do ballet. touching movie. might offend some boys. and i am not a phobe. very much used ba- and b- and f-. i was supriesed to see billy cuss and hes only like 12. i reccommend it for 12. 11 if they know thier words, 10 if they know what gay is and thier words and it may make kids who understand cry (i know it did to me)
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
My Absolute Favourite Film!
Tear-jerking, moving, heartbreaking, heart warming - they're all words to describe who you'll feel about this film. It is such a lovely film, but there are several occurences of blatant swearing, and it is very sad at times so I would recommend it for mature 12 year olds upwards.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
"I cried, laughed, and was DEEPLY INSPIRED by this film!"
This movie is set in England in the mid 80's. It is an inspring movie about a boy that is willing to do whatever it takes to follow his dream. Nothing a teenager hasn't seen. BEWARE OF THE F-BOMBS. Brief oblique references to sex, drag queen. It is a must see for 13 and up. 10-12: iffy and 9 under: OFF LIMITS
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
great
great movie, lots of language but if u promise ur parents u wont repeat it it shouldn't be a problom. some violence that may frighten younger children. goooooooooood movie.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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