Kes
1969, Drama, 1h 49m
32 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
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. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Billy
Jud
Mrs. Casper
Mr. Farthing
Mr. Sugden
Mr. Gryce
News & Interviews for Kes
Critic Reviews for Kes
All Critics (32) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (32)
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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.
March 16, 2015 | Full Review… -
One of the nation's finest film-makers at an early peak.
March 16, 2015 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review… -
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.
March 14, 2015 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review… -
The politics of the schoolyard are more important than the politics of London in Kes, and though he finds himself continuously ridiculed, Billy can always come back to his beloved kestrel.
February 21, 2015 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review… -
Seen today, it still cries its authentic song of rage. It still cuts like a knife.
September 9, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
Jaunty, sad, poetic, Kes is so humane it makes you tremble.
September 9, 2011 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Kes
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May 23, 2013No signs of age on this at all. Just as poignant as it was when it first came out.Marcus W Super Reviewer
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Jun 28, 2012[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.Directors C Super Reviewer
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Mar 23, 2012Northern 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.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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Aug 25, 2011I didn't swoon for "Kes" as much as many others did, probably because... 1) deciphering the accents was a serious, serious problem for this Yank. 2) the story's "a boy and his dog" arc was overly familiar. 3) none of the characters were too well-developed beyond Billy. A lovely score, however. And a remarkably natural performance from the novice David Bradley.Eric B Super Reviewer
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