British filmmaking showed much of its potential in this marvellous production chronicling the boyhood experiences of Billy, whose expectations lead no further than following his father into the pits when he reaches manhood. Everything changes when he finds Kes, an injured Kestrel, whom he nurses and cherishes back to health. Their relationship becomes symbolic of a doomed attempt to escape the drudgery of the industrial North. Kes is a marvellous, moving and compassionate film, so realistic that it is often funny. Written and directed by one of the most politically committed of British filmmakers, Kes is an astute authentic analysis of society at large.
Directed by
Ken Loach
Written by
Barry Hines (book "A Kestrel For A Knave") Barry Hines (adaptation) and Ken Loach (adaptation) (as Kenneth Loach) and Tony Garnett (adaptation)
Starring
David Bradley (Billy); Freddie Fletcher (Jud); Lynne Perrie (Mrs. Casper); Colin Welland (Mr. Farthing); Brian Glover (Mr. Sugden); Bob Bowes (Mr. Gryce). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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One of the most humbling films I've ever seen
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
It has to be said that Kes isn't the easiest of films to watch - and I'm not just talking about understanding the Yorkshire accents. Emotionally the film takes its toll, but then for a film about the struggles of a societal outcast, it would be failing if it didn't. And by succeeding in making that emotional connection with the viewer we're afforded a rare chance to really empathise with the struggles not only of Billy, but of anybody that finds them self in a similar situation. Kes also offers one of the best allegories for the friendship that Christ offers to us, even to the point of death. In the original theatrical trailer to Kes, the voiceover says "...You see if you’re not like the others, if you simply don’t belong, then you have to manage alone. Alone, unless, unless you have a friend, like Kes. A very special friend who doesn’t mind if you’re different..." And if you don't feel you're different to other people from time to time, or even most of the time, then the chances are you're not living your life honestly. If you are living you're life honestly, you'll know what it feels like to be different, you'll be able to empathise with Billy, and you'll enjoy watching Kes.
