Kes

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Kes

PG-13

Released Sep 13, 1970

1h 49m

Drama

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100%

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33 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

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

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

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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

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Jorja

Worst film I've ever seen and I've seen a lot. The acting was awful and the plot was non existent

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

11/10/23

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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