Kes

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Kes

PG-13

Released Sep 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.

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)

David Bradley is utterly authentic as Billy...

Aug 14, 2023

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Jack Ibberson

Sight & Sound

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.

Mar 16, 2015

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

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

Rated: 5/5

Mar 16, 2015

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

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

Rated: 7/10

Aug 30, 2020

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Penelope Houston

The Spectator

It is a genuine, resolute little film.

Nov 11, 2018

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

... a lovely and touching film.

Nov 11, 2018

Full Review

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Simon T

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.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/12/25

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James S

An amazing film. Funny and heartwarming. A real classic

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/09/25

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S G

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/10/24

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Will G

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/27/24

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mark g

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/24

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John H

Very good coming of age movie set in a mean and bleak world for protagonist. His family school and others beat him over the head and wonder why he has issues.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/24

Full Review

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Ken Loach

Director

David Bradley

Billy

Freddie Fletcher

Jud

Lynne Perrie

Mrs. Casper

Colin Welland

Mr. Farthing

Brian Glover

Mr. Sugden

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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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