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Amazon.co.uk Review
This was only Ken Loach's second cinema feature but it still ranks as one of his finest and most moving films. Billy, a disaffected young lad living on a soulless Barnsley estate, finds a fledgling kestrel and, for the first time in his life, feels his imagination gripped. With infinite patience--and a book on falconry nicked from a local bookstore--he starts to train the bird.
There's no boy-and-his-pet sentimentality here: the relationship between Kes the bird and the puny, taciturn Billy is the kinship, full of wary respect, between two wild creatures, and when Kes for the first time flies free and returns to Billy's wrist, the sense of exhilaration is overwhelming.
Although Loach never rams his message home, it's clear that Billy stands for a whole generation of youngsters whose potential, barring some such chance event, will never be even fractionally realised. Chris Menges' photography brings out all the austere beauty of the Yorkshire locations, and Loach draws believable performances from his largely non-professional cast--especially the 14-year-old David Bradley, stunningly convincing as Billy. And anyone who has ever suffered under a bullying, self-satisfied sports teacher will squirm with recognition at the brilliant cameo from the late Brian Glover. --Philip Kemp
Special Features
Original theatrical trailer
Interactive menu screens and chapter selections
Interactive menu screens and chapter selections
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Kes tells the remarkable story of Billy Casper and his relationship with a falcon that he finds, nurtures and trains to fly. But before you dimiss this as a kid's flick- the relationship between Billy and Kes acts as a metaphor. Billy gets more respect from the falcon than he does from his school teacher, his peers or his family. Billy is an outcast, a poor lad who is intelligent beyond his years but no-body is willing to give him a chance.
The scenes featuring Billy and the falcon are quite remarkable. Other standout scenes feature the late Brian Glover as a Sport teacher from hell whose bullying tactics send all the lads at the school reeling.
If you have ever wanted to see a film that recaptures your childhood, the humourous moments, the sad moments and the moments when adults treat you as if you are 5 years old when in reality you are 14/15, see Kes.
A British film to be proud of and definitely one to cherish.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
I was brought up in Barnsley, where this film was made, in the 1960's and 1970's. The film is so true to life and accurately depicts the lifestyle of the time. The choice of a boy trying to escape his environment by befriending a bird is heart rending, but totally plausible.
Kes is my favourite film of all time and a testament to the best of British low budget film making.
46 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is possible my favourite film of all time. The characters and story are so real, it is almost like a fly on the wall documentary. The child actors are fantastic. For a long time I was confused as to wether they were actors or children in an actualy school. The boy that takes the part of Billy Casper is brilliant and I often wonder if he was actually acting or if he was playing himself, and I often wonder what happened to him. The adults are equaly well suited to each role, with Brian Glovers PE teacher being the most memorable.
The story is a sad one that I'm sure has happened thousands of times throughout the land. The story of a young boy from a broken home, that the education system has failed and passed by. The interaction with big brother 'Judd,'and the cruel school children is brilliantly played out. Every aspect of the film is just perfect.
When you consider the budget and hype put into such modern film as The Lord of The Rings etc there is just no comparison. Give me Kes any day.
The story is a sad one that I'm sure has happened thousands of times throughout the land. The story of a young boy from a broken home, that the education system has failed and passed by. The interaction with big brother 'Judd,'and the cruel school children is brilliantly played out. Every aspect of the film is just perfect.
When you consider the budget and hype put into such modern film as The Lord of The Rings etc there is just no comparison. Give me Kes any day.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Timeless Classic
Even within director Ken Loach's oeuvre, I suspect that 'Kes' is a one-off, a stand-alone piece. It is a remarkable film. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Oliver Twist
KES
I loved this dvd. It's a heart warming, feel good film., I had seen the film before I bought it but enjoyed seeing it again just as much. I highly recommend it
Published 1 month ago by susanna
Amazing Film
This is a classic film, everyone should watch it just to see how lucky they are to live now instead of then. It is very funny and moving and tears will be shed, by men and women.
Published 1 month ago by Hebe
Kes DVD
The DVD is OK but I received it more than a month after it had been ordered. It was a present for a friend and I couldn't give it on time. I've been very disappointed. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Richard Ingrid
If Only They Could Get a Job Plumbing
Towards the end, the bleakness is supposedly made clearer by the weasly Careers Adviser suggesting Billy might get a career working with his hands. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mario
Brilliant, buying the book
Wow what a powerful story. It's brilliant.
What a brilliant actor that young kid.
What a bloody miserable life he had at the hands of everybody, most of whom were... Read more
What a brilliant actor that young kid.
What a bloody miserable life he had at the hands of everybody, most of whom were... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Signed, Hopeful.
All time great
The last time I saw this was with one of my best friends in Norwich in the early nineties. I filled up then and I'll probably fill up now.
Published 5 months ago by D. Smith
great working class film
brought back memories the author did a book signing at the school after watching the film the film is right down to earth kid not doing well at school bv takes an interest in... Read more
Published 5 months ago by anistasia
A Kestrel For A Knave
Billy Casper is from the tough end of town, part of a broken home, bullied by a brutish older brother and picked on at school, Billy's life is going nowhere but down. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Spike Owen
Too Realistic?
You know; if you think about it, not many movies are realistic. For most people, 90% of life is pretty drab, unevenful and boring. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Seatinthestalls
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