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. As his talent gradually reveals itself, it becomes clear that Billy should be attending the Royal Ballet School in London, but with his father's opposition and the extreme poverty which descends on the area during the strike, Billy's future is far from certain.