“Billy Elliot” On Film and Broadway
By Asmaa Abbas
On Friday, December 2, 2011, I had the opportunity to watch a great movie and see its musical live. Billy Elliot is a lifetime experience that I would never trade.
The plot revolves around a young boy who lives in England during the early 1980’s. The setting is based in a small country, which happens to be confronting economic and political struggles. While his father and brother are protesting for their rights and joining the UK’s mine strike, young Billy is taking Boxing classes and not showing much interest in this sport. At school, the “boxing recreation center” overlooks the Ballet classes in the next room held by Mrs. Wilkinson, the ballet teacher. Fascinated with this type of dancing, Billy secretly starts taking Ballet classes instead of Boxing. Soon enough, his father acknowledges this hidden secret from the Boxing teacher and stops young Billy from attending these classes. The plot then reveals the struggle between economic & social struggles and the passion to achieve one’s dream.
The film version of this plot is a very inspiring experience. At times you laugh; other times you cry, and sometimes you would like to jump in the movie and fight for Billy yourself. With the toughness of the father and brother, the hardship that the country is going through, and the innocence of Billy’s dream this plot offers its audience an unforgettable experience.
On the other hand, the Broadway Musical experience is exhilarating. The dancing, the costumes, the lighting and setting are all breathtaking. The times where you would like to cry, fight, or laugh all break out into entertaining choreography associated with great lyrics and music. However, the emphasis on the struggles young Billy confronts with his family and society are presented stronger in the film version than the musical Broadway show.
Although Billy Elliot closed in January 2012, I would highly recommend watching the movie. It’s one of those movies that can capture your heart and inspire you to keep moving forward, despite the discouragement you might face on your way.