Billy Elliot (2000)
For men that want to follow their dreams.
Presentation:
It’s quite difficult to make movies like this today of the harsh realities of societal expectations on boys without entering into political territory. Films from this time could still have such messages without the lecturing diatribe and simply tell a good story without bias. Jamie Bell gives us a fantastic performance even undergoing puberty during shooting. This is an emotional coming of age tale challenging conservative traditions that can be enjoyed today without feeling like there is a larger agenda. It’s honest and personal with realistically motivated characters that will make you connect with them even if you have nothing in common.
Conclusion:
If more films were honest like this, there would be far less resistance toward the liberal freedoms that the director aims to promote. A story about following your dreams that men often don’t have the luxury of, this story has more oppressive obstacles than others which make the message even stronger. Fortunately in today’s culture, such dreams are mostly accepted, though it wasn’t always like this. I suppose it makes sense that films today have to fight for increasingly progressive liberties to have a meaningful effect, but I think this was the sweet spot where you could convey social commentary without offending anyone.
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Recommendations
Hollywood film noir doesn’t seem that high up anymore.