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Kes

Play trailer Poster for Kes PG-13 Released Sep 13, 1970 1h 49m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 33 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 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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Kes

Kes

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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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Critics Reviews

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Kate Muir Times (UK) David Bradley is utterly authentic as Billy... Aug 14, 2023 Full Review 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 Full Review Kevin Maher Times (UK) One of the nation's finest film-makers at an early peak. Rated: 5/5 Mar 16, 2015 Full Review 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 Full Review Penelope Houston The Spectator It is a genuine, resolute little film. Nov 11, 2018 Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand ... a lovely and touching film. Nov 11, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review James S An amazing film. Funny and heartwarming. A real classic Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/09/25 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
Kes

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Cast & Crew

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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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Kes

Kes (1969) View more photos

Movie Info

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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