Kes cover art

Kes Details

1969 Certificate PG
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 10,106 members

Rebellious Billy Casper (David Bradley) finds that training a kestrel takes his mind off his troubled home life and the bullies at school. Set in the Northern English town of Barnsley, the film is a gritty slice of working-class life in the �60s. Based on the Barry Hines novel A KESTREL FOR A KNAVE, KES was brought to .. Read more

Starring Colin Welland, David Bradley, Brian Glover
Director Ken Loach
Genres Drama

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Kes cover art

Kes

Rebellious Billy Casper (David Bradley) finds that training a kestrel takes his mind off his troubled home life and the bullies at school. Set in the Northern English town of Barnsley, the film is a gritty slice of working-class life in the �60s. Based on the Barry Hines novel A KESTREL FOR A KNAVE, KES was brought to the big screen by Palm d�Or-winning director Ken Loach, who is best known for his early kitchen sink dramas. Fittingly, Brian Glover--who plays a games teacher--was born in Barnsley, bringing a touch of authenticity to proceedings. Upon its release, KES attracted criticism from wildlife conservationists who saw it as encouraging youngsters to take falcons from the wild with the intention of taming them, despite the film�s underlying message of respecting the birds.

Starring Colin Welland, David Bradley, Brian Glover
Director Ken Loach
Studio MGM ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 1 hr 46 mins
Certificate Certificate PG
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Dubbed German
Hearing-impaired English, German
Subtitles DVD: Turkish
Released DVD: 20 Jan 2003
Production year: 1969
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (2) of Kes

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  • 5 stars out of 5

    Ken Loach seems to acquire a surer mastery of his art with each picture, yet this, one of his earliest features, is still one of his best. Adapted from Barry Hines's “grim up North” novel, it has such a ring of authenticity that you can almost smell the chips. As ever, Loach coaxes remarkable performances, with Freddie Fletcher epitomising bullying big brotherhood and Brian Glover caricaturing every games teacher who never made it. Outstanding, however, is David Bradley as the teenager who finds solace in a baby kestrel from the pain of his dysfunctional family life and the torment of school.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • Barry Hines' novel, about a young schoolboy in Barnsley who attempts to escape the tedium and meaninglessness of his... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
    • Posted 04 Nov 2008

  • Most helpful member's review of Kes

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  • 45 out of 47 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 0 stars

    COULDN'T BE ANY WORSE!!!

    This movie was absolute rubbish. Nothing happens apart from him training a kestrel, which doesn't really grip the audience. Extremely dull, do not do anything with this movie, don't rent, buy or even watch it.

      • A customer from Nounsley
      • Posted 14 Mar 2007 20:16

  • Most recent members' review of Kes

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  • 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    Brilliant, but the soundtrack needs remastering

    It's tough enough to understand the 1960s Barnsley accent without being further encumbered by a distorted soundtrack. A classic with the merits of this incredible film deserves better; someone has to remaster this film!

    Otherwise, this is simply one of the finest pieces of British cinema verite ever made. Virtually flawless performances, especially from David Bradley as Billy and Brian Glover as the loathsome games teacher. If you don't end up with a lump in your throat you're not human!

      • maxwurr from Middlesex
      • Posted 07 Apr 2006 12:46

  • News and features

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    My Summer Of Love

    Loach honoured by film critics

    • 30 Dec 2004

    Veteran film-maker Ken Loach has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to cinema by the London Film Critics' Circle. The director's 40-year career took off with the hard-hitting 1966 television drama Cathy Come Home, followed up with the award-winning Kes and My Name Is Joe. The London Film Critics' Circle awards will take place on February 9th and Mike Leigh's abortion drama Vera Drake is currently leading the pack with seven nominations, including best British film and best actress... Read more

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Rating breakdown

10,106 Member ratings
  • 100
1,369
  • 90
1,074
  • 80
2,076
  • 70
1,911
  • 60
1,533
  • 50
886
  • 40
494
  • 30
349
  • 20
261
  • 10
153

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      • Rebellious Billy Casper (David Bradley) finds that training a kestrel takes his mind off his troubled home life and the bullies at school. Set in the Northern English town of Barnsley, the film is a ...