Kes

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Jim N @RT88410809 Feb 17 An accurate and gritty depiction of what life was like in the 1960s in northern England, where the culture was steeped in its own semantics and sociolect. The story follows Caspar, gruff working-class boy of no means, as his raggedy life is redeemed - fleetingly at least - by the discover of a bird's nest. The "kes" of the title denotes a kestrel (the novel was called "A Kestrel for a Knave"), the wind-hover, the smallest of falcons. The film, aiming for naturalism, barely employs any real actors to portray the characters, and is arguably one of the greatest British films ever made. Jim Newcombe See more Patrick C @RT84374237 Feb 5 I first saw 'Kes' back in 1983 when I was a year or so younger than Billy Casper is in the film. It touched me deeply, and 43 years on it still does. Such bleak poetry in Billy's finding a sense of escape from his impoverished surroundings and uneasy home life through his relationship with his kestrel. His school life is dismal, veering between boredom, visits to the headmaster for a caning and frozen ineptitude on the football pitch - the latter overseen by Brian Glover's self-important oaf of a teacher. Hope is manifested in the form of Colin Welland's kindly encouragement, but it is extinguished in the film's tragic denouement. Just a wonderful achievement. See more Bom W @Perseverant Jan 1 Depressing and stressful from beginning to end. If you were hoping for a feel-good coming-of-age story about a young falconer who rises above his circumstances, look elsewhere. Rather, if you enjoy witnessing a boy being subjected to almost unrelenting physical and emotional abuse by a loose and uncaring mother, hateful brother, callous school children, and overbearing adults, then this is the film for you. Don't expect levity or joyful moments, but do expect to have your eyes assaulted by the butts and scrotums of little boys. Almost without exception, every character in this film is a despicable. As you watch, any glimmer of joy you might hope for is snatched away. Maybe it holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up in similar circumstances, but I suspect all but sadists will find themselves wishing they could rescue the boy from his miserable circumstances. The predominant feeling at its conclusion was relief that the onslaught of misery had reached its end... See more Simon T @Bucksplit 04/12/2025 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. See more James S @RT10837551 01/09/2025 An amazing film. Funny and heartwarming. A real classic See more S G @Sean123456789 12/10/2024 Seen this movie so many times as a kid, great story , still great today See more Read all reviews

Kes

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