Kes

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Kes

PG-13

1970

1h 49m

Drama

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100%

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32 Reviews

91%

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5,000+ Ratings

Ken Loach's acclaimed British drama focuses on Billy Casper (David Bradley), a tormented working-class boy who is subjected to abuse both at school and at home. The son of a single mother (Lynne Perrie), Billy's existence is mostly bleak until he takes up an interest in falconry and begins training a kestrel that he finds on a nearby farm. While Billy forms a close bond with the falcon, his hardscrabble life and harsh environment prove to be a challenge to the boy and his bird.

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Critics Consensus

A harrowing coming of age tale told simply and truly, Kes is a spare and richly humane tribute to the small pockets of beauty to be found in an oppressive world.

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Kate Muir

The Times (UK)

08/14/2023

David Bradley is utterly authentic as Billy...

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Jack Ibberson

Sight & Sound

03/16/2015

Kes, admirably photographed by Chris Menges (who was camera operator on Poor Cow) is not to be lightly dismissed; and Loach's success with young players especially makes one eager to see his forthcoming film for the Save the Children Fund.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

03/16/2015

5/5

One of the nation's finest film-makers at an early peak.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

08/30/2020

7/10

There's a satisfaction to be found in the sereneness of the boy and his bird, contrasting with the harsh realities of growing pains.

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Penelope Houston

The Spectator

11/11/2018

It is a genuine, resolute little film.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

11/11/2018

... a lovely and touching film.

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Bom W

@Perseverant 6d

Depressing and stressful from beginning to end. If you were hoping for a feel-good coming-of-age story about a young falconer who rises above his circumstances, look elsewhere. Rather, if you enjoy witnessing a boy being subjected to almost unrelenting physical and emotional abuse by a loose and uncaring mother, hateful brother, callous school children, and overbearing adults, then this is the film for you. Don't expect levity or joyful moments, but do expect to have your eyes assaulted by the butts and scrotums of little boys. Almost without exception, every character in this film is a despicable. As you watch, any glimmer of joy you might hope for is snatched away. Maybe it holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up in similar circumstances, but I suspect all but sadists will find themselves wishing they could rescue the boy from his miserable circumstances. The predominant feeling at its conclusion was relief that the onslaught of misery had reached its end...

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Simon T

Apr 12

What a wonderful film Kes still is. Has Ken Loach ever bettered it? Barry Hines' simple story of a Barnsley boy - isolated, bullied by his thuggish older brother, destined for the local mine, but finding solace in discovering and training a kestrel - is genuine poetry. Dai Bradley is sublime as Billy, and Loach has recruited an excellent ensemble in support. Chris Menges' photography and John Cameron's music are also superb.

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James S

Jan 9

An amazing film. Funny and heartwarming. A real classic

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S G

@Sean123456789 12/10/2024

Seen this movie so many times as a kid, great story , still great today

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Will G

@Kingofthepixies 11/27/2024

I was born in Sheffield and lived near that area in 1970. That's how it was. Period.

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mark g

01/21/2024

Watch this movie if anything just to watch the iconic, brilliant 'football match scene' with the late, great Brian Glover "a rare delight". Brilliant !

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Ken Loach

Director

David Bradley

Billy

Freddie Fletcher

Jud

Lynne Perrie

Mrs. Casper

Colin Welland

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Synopsis

Ken Loach's acclaimed British drama focuses on Billy Casper (David Bradley), a tormented working-class boy who is subjected to abuse both at school and at home. The son of a single mother (Lynne Perrie), Billy's existence is mostly bleak until he takes up an interest in falconry and begins training a kestrel that he finds on a nearby farm. While Billy forms a close bond with the falcon, his hardscrabble life and harsh environment prove to be a challenge to the boy and his bird.

Director: Ken Loach
Producer: Tony Garnett
Screenwriter: Barry Hines
Production Co: Woodfall Film Productions, Kestrel Films
Rating: PG-13 (Some Teen Smoking|Nudity|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 13, 1970, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 28, 2017
Runtime: 1h 49m

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