Stephen Daldry directs this British drama starring Jamie Bell and Julie Walters. Set in County Durham during the 1984 miners' strike, young Billy Elliot (Bell) becomes fascinated with the ballet lessons which are being held in the same hall as his boxing class. The ballet teacher, Mrs Wilkinson (Walters), recognises his potential and encourages him to join her class. It soon becomes clear that Billy has the talent and skill necessary to attend the Royal Ballet School in London, but his father Jackie (Gary Lewis) is vehemently opposed to the idea. That coupled with the extreme poverty which descends on the area during the strike means that Billy's future is far from certain.