Kes (1969)
Kes Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Mrs. Casper
as Billy Casper
as Jud
as Mrs. Casper
as Mr. Farthing
as Mr. Sugden
as Mr. Gryce
as Mr. Crossley
as Farmer
as Mathematics Teacher
as Librarian
as Mrs. Casper's Friend
as Comedian at Pub
as Youth Employment Officer
as MacDowell
as Tibbutt
as Milkman
as Billy's Friend
as Billy's Friend
as Billy's Friend
as Younger Boy
as Fish and Chip Shop Man
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Critic Reviews for Kes
All Critics (29) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (29) | Rotten (0) | DVD (2)
Kes is one of the most astute, engaged films about education and what it takes for kids to be excited about learning or passionate about anything, really, whether in the classroom or roaming the fields with a feathered friend.
A classic of British social realism.
Simply, the filmmakers have brought the background of the boy's life vividly into reality.
Terrific performances, illuminated by Chris Menges' naturalistic but often evocative photography.
Loach is not a director of notable style, nor can he often refuse the obvious shot, but he seems to have a remarkable talent for handling actors and obtaining performances that are truly memorable.
Kes is Loach at his best.
Audience Reviews for Kes
An achingly beautiful tale. The bucolic music and the landscapes wandered by the formidable protagonist child and his trained kestrel, embellish the cold and austere north of England. The child's tender look upon the bird is that of yearning, of high spirit and care free mind, far beyond the predicaments of acceptance raised in his school and in his own home. Its gritty, unapologetic and sometimes despairing naturalism hits delicate fibres.
Super Reviewer
[img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img] This much adored Ken Loach picture is a likable, smart and rightfully depressing film. However for me there was a small sense of a lack of emotional involvement. The tone of it frequently changed from being a coming of age drama to a family film and then back again, which I found slightly confusing. However the performances are genuinely emotionally resonant and the narrative itself is interesting and inspirational. Despite having one of the most unredemptive endings i've ever seen for what was meant to be, essentialy, a film partly about redemption. It's sweet yet edgy, and it maintains as a good example of classic British cinema.
Super Reviewer
Northern England, 1969, and life is pretty glum for an introspective lad just finishing up regular school. Its the system, you see, that handles people like products in an immense factory. It breeds ... inhumanity. But one found hobby gives our boy some dignity, and that's the training of a wild creature. Stark and oppressive, Loach's commentary on modern times seen through adolescence rings too true to be ignored.
Super Reviewer
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