The dramatic final scene of Billy Elliott, as a grown man, dancing the lead in Swan Lake as his emotionally overwhelmed father watches his son's triumphant debut.
This final scene is the best way they could have ended this movie. Billy has fulfilled his dream as a professional ballet dancer and has the full encouragement of his family and friends. Michael has fully accepted his identity and supports Billy for his own decisions, much like Billy did for him. Tony is excited and joyful over the success his little brother has found that he had initially doubted. Jackie's reaction, though, is the best. All the sacrifice, fear, and emotion he felt since discovering Billy's passion has paid off and he is in awe with pride at how far his youngest boy has come.
Do you recognize the awesome parallel of the adult Billy parading up to the edge of the wings, wearing a robe, getting ready for his entrance? It reflects back to the boxing images: just like a fighter approaching the ring. Billy has rejected the ring, however, and become a champion on the ballet stage. Amazing scene, amazing closure.
I especially love that parallel since there’s the quote (I can’t recall if it’s from this version or the musical...) where Jackie says “I’m a boxer, my dad was a boxer, you’re a boxer.” or something to that effect.
and his brother too. he used to be so against billie's passion in ballet but when billie got in and he had to leave he said "i'll miss you", and how he impatiently waiting for his father so that they could arrive as soon as possible to the ballet performance.
Yes, I found it heartbreaking that Dad and Tony were put behind two steel cages and lowered into the ground. The next time we see Billy, he is soaring, as a powerful Swan. Made me cry, to see them being lowered.
I take it Santiago F has left and taken his comment with him. Everybody should be comfortable with their own and others sexuality. This is the 21st Century, but some still think it's 1918, not 2018.
It has nothing to do with sexuality and everything to do with reaching for the stars, and being true to yourself and pushing yourself to your limit and working hard and being the best. Real men are not afarid to show their emotions, so it's sad people think it's gay. As I said there is no sexuality in this film, but as I said on top, when my friend and I was sitting through the last Ayrshire screening in Kilmarnock back in the Autumn of 1999, there was only 5 folk in there, Me and my friend, two old women, the thin one that needed help walking had so much slap on her face, she looked like Aunt Sally from Worzol Gummage. We both agreed she looked like an old ex ballerina. The guy that sat behind us masterbated through the film, and had semen stains all over the front of his jeans. I suppose it takes all sorts. lol.
In my opinion, this is one of the most powerful scenes in the history of movies. I have never EVER watched this movie without crying my heart out. A masterpiece. There will always be a special place in my heart for this movie....always.
I share your opinion is a masterpiece this movie; where there are different very real themes such as sexual preference, a ballet dream that even for a strong rude man has to accept that it is his son's dream and respect him and feel proud of him. This movie has to be seen by all adults.
+Daniel Bryant - exactly - the timing of music, movement and everything else peaking in that breath with the tear in the eye - I like to watch this scene to admire the pure perfection of it - it is a master work of the director to lead the audience to this mega emotion
As much as I love that shot of his dad gasping in a breath at the end (which is a lot) the thing that gets to me the most is how the other ballet dancers keep looking at him with awe on their faces. Not only is Billy a professional dancer in a production, he is the dancer that all the others there aspire to be. The way they all try to get a look at him as he goes out onto the stage speaks volumes. It speaks to just how powerful of a performance that Billy does that even the people who have seen him practice and perform before want just one glimpse of him on stage.
Normally I have a more mundane explanation. Some kind of "stop being a sentimental doofus. He's the flockulant and they need to check their fandangoes against his so they blah blah blah. EVERYBODY, even me, knows that. Sheesh." But I totally picked up on that and can't think of a better understanding of what we were being shown.
The thing I like most about this movie and this scene in particular is that dancing or doing ballet is believed to be feminine and a man should not do it. But when Billy walks up to the podium whilst dressed as a swan, he is manly AF! I think it is a beautiful statement. If one wants to do a profession that is not considered 'right' for one's gender, do it anyway. Follow your dream!
KennedyEbony Male ballet dancers are absolutely ripped (and really hot). Just look at Sergei Polunin or Carlos Acosta. Muscles for days. Not the same muscles weightlifters have, but you can't hold a full-grown woman over your head in one hand and *not* get ripped.
Misha has done ballet his entire life and he was completely ripped! Not to mention he was a total stud! Gay or straight, it's okay to be a man in ballet. After all, who's going to play the male counterparts if there are NO males?
I know. It's weird cus in Russia you are either a Spetznas special commando or a ballet dancer for the bolchoy ballet. Both got equal macho factor. In the rest of the world you are assumed gay if ballet dancer.
If you are a father and you have a son, remember, that your approval and admiration means the world to him and it can make him or break him as a grown man. You hold a huge responsibility in your hands, make sure you get it right.
@@laureng.2322 Unfortunately the actor for the grown up Billy looks nothing like the young actor. Not even the eye color (brown instead of light blue...)
HelenaRG71 that’s because they wanted to get the actual dancer who plays the part in Swan Lake. That’s Adam cooper, the original Swan in that version of the ballet
We all love the dad in awe, and the glory of Billie as he leaps on stage....But can we take a moment to appreciate the big brother's enthusiasm/nerves at the end? He's so excited, so eager, he's stressing out over being late and is always ahead of his father, terrified of being late and missing even a moment. It's such a beautiful sign of how far the brother has come and how much he cares.
His clenched teeth cry of “DAD!” Kills me each time, trying to be appropriate in public but losing it with his father’s wonderstruck pace 😂 I also love the pause when he really sees it’s Michael, and then the second look of Michael and his boyfriend. And he may be surprised by him, but you can see he recalibrates. He has come a long way most likely because he has spent the years supporting his brother.
To me, one of the most masculine scenes i've ever seen in anything. When Billy, getting prepared to leap out on stage. I get goosebumps everytime i see this.
@@isadora9773 Nothing masculine about Dicaprio at all. In fact his whole schtick of pulling angry faces and shouting is a cover for his distinct lack of masculinity.
Yeah, I know what you mean! Me too! To see his father's expression when he saw Billy perform as the lead--sent chills up and down my spine! I became very emotional after watching this scene!
When I was a boy I watched this movie so many times, and this movie helped me realise that manly sports are not always boxing or football. Specifically when he removes the cloak to reveal his powerful back. Still gives me goosebumps!
As a father I go with that, but to follow from another reply it's not about putting pressure on them, it's about pride in what they have achieved for themselve no matter what life throws at them.
I know when this came out some people were pissed that they didn’t show more of the ballet in Swan Lake, but that wasn’t the point. We watched Billy dance throughout the film. The emotion of his father and seeing his boy successful and soaring was the point. Tears....every time.
@@toastoneggs7356 hell yeah with the towel on his shoulders, as a boxer ready to enter a ring. Beautiful back. He is so muscular now, I remember when he reassured his dad by saying that ballet dancer are athletes.
@@LanaKir3767 That childhood scene where Little Billy Describes his dancing as electrical. I think we all got to witness what he was talking about at that ending scene. Complete electricity and awe comes to mind.
The look of pride on his dad's face is one of the most powerful shots in the film. After being so ashamed of him when Billy was a child, the way his father came to accept him and respect him, especially from a tough North East area, was truly wonderful. I so wish I could see the whole film on You Tube.
Interesting to note that these dancers at the time were performing in Matthew Bourne's adaptation of Swan Lake at Covent Garden, and Adam Cooper who was playing older Billy was the principal male of the Royal Ballet.
@@bUrRiEdaLiVe6 All of the swans are male. There are females, but in secondary roles. Matthew Bourne wrote this version with a very strong homoerotic slant. Adam Cooper was simply magnificent.
This is one of the best endings to a film in the history of cinema. It's so powerful and fulfilling to see a young boy with a head full of dreams be the awe of everyone. Even his fellow ballet dancers can't help but watch as he dances on - completely awesome! This scene should make everyone in life want to achieve their goals, whatever they are!
This last breath from the father at the very end. Wow. This last breath speaks more than a thousand words. The whole story's conflict is resolved in a breath of pride and emotion in the last 2 seconds of the film. Genius ending.
The way this movie communicates all of Jackie’s emotions in a shot that barely lasts a second is pure magic. With the force of the entire movie building up behind it, you instantly feel his pride in son and all feeling of all his love and effort paying off. But more than that he finally understand WHY his son loves ballet. Billy is able to show him how meaningful the art form is, and Jackie is able to support AND understand him
The younger swans look at Billy with awe. In contrast, Billy is oblivious to them. He is focused on the performance he is about to give. Billy‘s father is plainly overwhelmed not only by the experience of seeing his son in a lead role in a ballet but also by the novel experience of being in a large city with mass transportation. Without Billy‘s brother tugging on the father’s arm, I’m not sure the father would have made it to the theater. I love that Michael came to see Billy debut in Swan Lake. Billy’s date, however, is plainly less than thrilled that Michael is so excited by the prospect of seeing Billy. Michael’s loyalty and unrequited love run deep.
What I want to focus on here.... is this phenomenal scene in Billy Elliot, what makes it so iconic and powerful, is not only the build up of the intensity and emotion in his father's eyes (mixed with regret, remorse, overwhelm, shock, disbelief, belief with final realisation... and through the eyes of Billy's friend, Michael, as he always believed in him) its the music that adds to this powerful build up, the preparation as Billy prepares himself mentally, emotionally and physically, this is the final moment, his life depends on it, similar to how athletes feel when they start a race, the tunnel vision, or when an actor is about to deliver a powerful line. The music plays an important role, without music, a scene wouldn't hold as much power or meaning. Music is such an integral tool to evoking the right moods and emotions. I love how the step by step scenes prepare for the ultimate leap. It almost feels like we are in his body, we are Billy taking that leap. I can feel the hairs stand up on my arms and shivers down my spine. Swanlake the iconic ballet tune, will forever imprint on my brain, with this final moment as a permanent reminder we all have this level of potential within us to take that leap!!!!! Rise!!!!! Fly!!!! Against all odds.
It's Atish N Ramdonee from another account, and I just did. Dear Lord, that was freaking INTENSE! And I don't even know anything about Music besides listening to a ton of it. But that was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!
The shot of Billy walking at 1:23 gives me chills every time I watch it The Lighting The Fog The Music Building And the size of him is just so perfectly directed One of The Best endings to a movie I'v ever seen
Acabo de verla y estoy igual,emocionada hasta las lágrimas como el padre de Billy.La entrada de él en el escenario es majestuosa y elegante como lo que representa,un cisne.... 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I have read in the comments that she was meant to be there, just the actress wasn't available at the time. I always pictured her there, just not in the frame :)
What a perfect ending to a fantastic film. Seeing him as an adult, he had finally achieved his dream and has a lead part in Swan Lake. All that hard work has paid off and his dad and brother are so proud of him. Love this ending!!
Absolutely magnificent scene. His family toiled away to help him escape a fate spent in the mines. The father coming out to see him, expanding his own little world because he is proud of his boy and excited to see him. The old friend, Michael, with his unrequited flame for Billy, but we also see that he has faired well enough over time and came to see his friend. Then, we have Billy's exquisite leap. Beauty in motion. Father's gasp...we all feel it. Powerful stuff. The cast and crew know their craft and executed this film so. damn. well.
I loved it when young Michael said "hey dancing boy" and Billy returned the previous sweet (non-sexual) kiss that Michael had given him before. They were both outsiders, and had a good, kind, accepting friendship bond. Billy broke another barrier, and gave an affectionate kiss. This scene contrasts with his brother, who was unable to tell his kid brother "I'll miss you" in person. That was a sad scene.
Same. I think he was unbelievably proud of his son, but he just didn't know at all how to react at the end - hence his awkwardness. I love how he says "can you tell Billy Elliot that his family is here", which says it all.
Still the most powerful ending to a movie I have ever seen. From the music, to the beauty of what Elliot became - how the younger dancers are in awe. His fathers elation. Brilliant ending, can’t get over it
In case you are wondering the person who plays Billy in this scene is Adam Cooper he currently works as both a performer and choreographer in musical theatre he began his professional career as a dancer of classic ballet and contemporary ballet and is a former Principal of the Royal Ballet
Can't remember any other film with a more emotional ending scene like this one. Watching Billy's father struggling with his emotions ... stunning. And Adam Cooper as the adult Billy is simply overwhelming. Brings me to tears every single time, can't help it. Simply brilliantly, dramatically shooted. Very, very well done!
Not a lot ppl will read this comment but I watched this today for the first in very long time and bought tears to my eyes this movie is so powerful and thank you Netflix for adding this .
I was happy to see Michael go to the performance and saying he wouldn’t miss it for the world. It seemed like the guy next to him was his partner which is also sweet. I’m happy for him!
This was an extra-ordinary movie, one of my absolute favorites. The sacrifices the father makes to send his son to the Royal School of Ballet make this scene one the most rewarding and powerful.
I’m back to watch this yet again. I love the little nuances in this scene, especially how all the dancers keep looking at Billy in expectation and then want to see him make his entrance and the big leap. It shows that not only has he achieved his dream of being a dancer but he is a dancer’s dancer, the best of the best and someone to inspire others. Wonderful film.
His father's gasp is one of the greatest moments ever captured on film .. still catch my breath no matter how many times I've watched this scene. MAGNIFICENT
Billy’s dad’s reaction in this gets me every time I see it. His portrayal of a working class father is exceptional. The holding back of the tears as the tough man he is, as the product of his environment he is, but the love and pride of a father in that his son has made it. Realised his dream. And that as a father all the worry pain stress and sacrifice you made that your child didn’t understand, ultimately led to your son realising his dream. All that in two looks of his face. Magic
I love this ending. I love the father, he's just so in awe of everything his son has accomplished. this ending makes me cry like no other, especially when it shows his father for that quick second. He's so proud of Billy.
I could watch that final segment a hundred times and never get tired of it--it never fails to move me. The father's emotion, Michael's presence, Tom's reactions, and Billy's spectacular leap--wonderful!
So many layers to this scene's brilliance. I love Billy's reaction to the news that his family was there to see him. It was like the air that propelled him on to that stage, beautiful.
2:18 The annoyed look of the man who cooks your dinners and picks up your dirty socks seeing the way you're anticipating seeing the other guy you used to have a crush on. The loudest blink in the history of film.
I think the walk up to the theatre adds to the power of the ending... he's walking slowly in some sort of hesitation or disbelief even after all of these years as he had no connection to dance except wanting Billie to be happy. So that gasp, when he sees Billie, is so powerful.
I always get emotional when I watch this scene. The father’s expression when he sees his son perform, Billy’s lil smile when he knows his family is there and not to mention his composure and the other dancers looking at him in awe. What a magnificent movie 👏🏽🩵
Such an excellent ending, such a powerful vindication of Billy, as we the audience are shown first hand the glorious moment that his father quietly, and finally sees the beauty in ballet that Billy has seen all along, and through this the beauty of his son's will and character, and the shame of his insistence he stop. It's all there - in that moment, on that actor's face - and it's cinematic GOLD.
Yes, but let`s analyze what information did we get by their late entrance: first, dad and the brother still live in small town in spite of Billy`s success, second, there is not the woman in the life of any male in the movie- no nanny (she died?), no Beckie, no teacher, no the wife of his much elder brother, third: Billy is is still in connection with Michael that gives a hint of gay`s orientation...alltogether makes me a little bit sad in spite of the legendary ending jump...
@@draganadc The teacher should have been there, but the actress couldn't be there because of scheduling problems. At least that's what I heard. Other than this, it's a little bit unnecessary to introduce new people in the finale. It's not about the brother marrying or something. And it's only logical, Michael would follow Billy into the big city. He had a deep wish to live somewhere he can be himself and not having to hide. As with Becki: It would have been cool to see her, but they hadn't such a close connection when Billy left the city anyway.
Female ballet dancers are akin to female gymnasts who are known for strength and precision, and can do things with their bodies most other sports never call for. Male ballet dancers are akin to male gymnasts, also known to have phenomenal strength et al as above.... Ballet dancers are athletes. It's that simple. Pure athletes because there are no balls or sticks or such.... it is simply your strength, composure, endurance, discipline and ability to do things most people just gasp at.... like Billy's Dad. This film packs a playful punch before it sideswipes your emotions into overdrive (at the end) in it's part of telling a story from the era of the British coal miners strike of 1984/85. If you lived through those times films like this one, The Full Monty, and (a personal favorite) the outstanding Brassed Off are so familiar and real at times, these scene get under your skin and stay there. Brilliant!
My heart stops with the father's heart every time when I see the scene. I like how they end the film on the highest point with this breath. I guess Tony and his father hadn't seen Billy for a long time. They didn't know how he has grown up, what a man and dancer he bacomes. This is incredibly beautiful ending.
His father had the courage to let his son be his own man and find out what he 's passionate about and pursue it . I enjoyed the film , his father and brother came from a different era and way of life .
There is more to this final scene than what is being said. The small smile on Billy’s face when he is told that his family “is here”. He realizes that he has their complete acceptance of his chosen profession. The acting and direction are SUPERB. I saw this movie years ago and this is my all time favorite scene of all movies, so POWERFUL💞
I just love that ending shot of Billy walking out towards the stage. he looks so powerful and masculine. When he leaps onto the stage, he is the image of strength and explosive power. The opposite of what his father feared
The first shot you see of him is him prepping to be on the stage the same way a fighter preps to get in the ring. His dad wanted him to be a boxer because that's what's expected, not because he thought he'd be good at it. Here he fits all the expectations of a boxer, and is the best at what he does.
This is one ir the most inspiring movies I've ever seen. And this scene is so moving, Michael's presence and enthusiasm, father's emotion, the dancer's admiration for Billy and, of course, Billy himself, the personification of success out of will and perseverance. Impossible not to cry.
The father's intake of breath speaks volumes about what he was feeling, that his son Billy had 'Got out'. Never would Billy have to go down the mines and subsequently neither will Billy's children or his children's children. That leap represents Billy's escape and, possibly the generations after him.
Seeing Billy's dad crying always makes me cry. Men from the north east England are the greatest on earth, they might be traditional and set in their ways and stubborn as anything- but when it comes to it they'll support you through anything, even if they don't understand it. They don't show emotion often and that's why it proper tears your heart when they do. Honestly lasses round here are blessed because you'll not find lads like them anywhere. Billys Dad reminds me so much of my own Dad and my uncles. This film was a bang on portrayal of the North East and the men here.
That back was everything. Seeing him go from a child to adulthood...just wow! To all the male dancers out there....do you! And thanks for giving people the like me to admire your art form.
I used to work in the real town of Easington in the mid 2000’s. The village bit is quite posh but the old pit numbered terraces are awash with heroin and crime. Many of them were being taken apart brick by brick by the local kids like an army of mice. We lost the strike, and a lot of people lost more. The pride in a hard days labour, their homes, their families, their community. Hope. When I first saw this I thought the Dad was a knob, but the more I see it the more I realise how hard his life was. And how hard it was to comprehend a life beyond the pit and that life of working man’s clubs and boxing for him. I live now on the Norfolk Broads and sometimes I feel like the Dad there, looking around in bewilderment at the beauty of it all. That’s there’s the possibility of a world like this. I often wonder how many working class lives and talents will never see the light of day and never realise the gifts that they have due to lack of opportunity and want.
When Billy auditions for the ballet school and he’s asked how it feels when he’s dancing, he says “flying, like a bird”. So it literally comes true at the end of the movie.
I can’t help but cry like a baby whenever I watch this final scene. This movie is just one of the most beautiful love declarations to dance and to young dreams. 😊
Still such a powerful and relevant movie today. Love how excited the brother was and how in awe the dad was. This is what can happen when people change their minds and let go of their prejudices and love their families fully. It's heartbreaking to think some kids were not as lucky as Billy and have empty seats in audiences where their parents never turned up.
had I only seen just the ending it wouldn't make me cry. however i saw the full movie. what made me cry is the fact that the kid won the human lotto. His father and brother were struggling miners so what were the odds that he would be a lead ballet dancer not great. That's what made me cry, he overcame his dismal circumstances and became successful beyond his dreams. everyone loves a story of hope like that, they want to believe that kind of success could happen to them too.
This is the answer we were all thinking. But for the grace of God go I....except it's admiration, even jealousy, but not relief that the original saying brings to mind.
I only saw this movie for the first time yesterday, and I can not even begin to list how wonderful it is. The narrative, the cinematography, the actors, the music... It brought tears to my eyes more than once. And this scene was the cherry at the top of the cake.
Bilky Elliott is a brilliant movie I have watched it many times & I absolutely love it!! Anyone who loves this movie can feel the dad's emotions at the end
Please, let's not forget what makes this beautiful dance possible, the absolutely sublime music composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. I'm sure that heaven is made of such music.
I was 8 when this movie came out. I've probably watched it at least once a year for the past 17 years, and I still cry like a friggin' baby when his dad gasps.
Dads sharp Inhalation at the sheer raw power and beauty of his son- it gets me every time. Such a brilliantly shot scene. Oh the awe of his boy in that moment.
