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Billy Elliot (2000) is one of the most celebrated examples of what has come to be known as “Soft” Realism. A movement in British cinema which became prevalent in the mid-1990’s. A movement which produced films which actively drew on the traditions of Northern working class realism, but instead of following the traditional realist approach to the letter, these films depicted characters who had ambitions to escape the harshness of their day to day existence by performing as entertainers. This approach produced box office hits such as: Brassed off (1996), The Full Monty (1997) and of course Billy Elliot. These films’ representation of “soft” realism is in stark contrast to a number of “hard” realism films which were being produced at around the same time, films like: Nil By Mouth (1997) and The War Zone (1998) which are renowned for their brutal and gritty portrayal of British realism.


Billy Elliot has become one of the most celebrated key models of "Soft" realism, this was a movement in the British film industry which became accustomed in the mid 1990's. This movement produced films whcih meaningly portrayd the traditions of the Northern working class realism. Yet instead of following their life from day to day, the 'Soft' Realism's intention is to depict the characters who have ambition to  escape the sterness of their daily existence by being portrayed as entertainer. As well as Billy Elliot, this approach was used within: "The Full Monty (1997)" and "Brassed off (1996)"