‘Billy’s’ Real Charm

Did Kenneth Turan and I see the same movie (“ ‘Billy Elliot’ Is a Bit Too Eager to Please,” Oct. 13)? Far from “pushing as hard as possible” and “not leaving well enough alone,” the movie I saw hit all the right notes in just the right manner.

Now if it had been done in Hollywood, Turan’s review would have fit--we always do this kind of movie badly. But the British know how it’s done, and “Billy Elliot” is a prime example of that. The audience I was with burst into applause twice during the movie and again at the end. They obviously felt as I (a person who grew up wanting to be involved in the arts in a place where that was totally alien) felt: very moved. It may well be my favorite movie of the year.

JUDITH BILEK

Burbank

*

Here is the perfect example of how stupid and greedy the movie industry is. This movie is about a 12-year-old boy and how he overcomes all sorts of difficulties to find himself. To grow up. To become a real person. But “Billy Elliot” is rated R, so no 12-year-old boys can see it!

That is stupid. Luckily, it’s an English film, so all the U.S. producers can say, “Don’t blame us. We didn’t do it.”

ERLEND PETERSON

Culver City