Kes [Criterion Collection] [Blu-ray]

Director: Ken Loach Ken Loach

Overview

In this 1969 Ken Loach film, a 15-year-old named Billy Casper (played by acting newcomer David Bradley) suffers abuse both at home and at school in Yorkshire, England. At his home in the working-class section of Barnsley, Billy's brother beats him and his family neglects him. At school, most of his teachers ridicule and reject him, especially sadistic Mr. Sugden (Brian Glover. Like other downtrodden children in an outmoded social system favoring the ruling class, Billy appears headed for a menial job with no future. Consequently, he has no motivation and nothing to look forward to, until the day he finds a kestrel -- a European falcon with the ability to hover against strong wind. The bird, a fledgling, is akin to the boy, who must withstand winds of his own. It is not surprising, therefore, that Billy finds meaning in befriending and caring for the baby kestrel. He raises, nurtures, and trains the falcon, whom he calls "Kes." Its development gives him hope that he too will one day develop, that he too will gain the skills to fly against the wind. Then Billy opts to spend his brother's track money on food for Kes, which sets the stage for a grave disagreement betwen the young men and an unhappy outcome.

Product Details

Release Date:	04/19/2011
UPC:	0715515070515
Original Release:	1969
Rating:	PG-13
Source:	Criterion Collection
Language:	English
Time:	1:51:00
Sales rank:	11,506

Special Features

Making "Kes," a new documentary featuring Loach, Menges, Produce Tony Garnett, and Actor David Bradley; The Southbank Show: "Keith Loach," a 1993 Profile; Cathy Come Home (1966), an Early Television feature by Loach, with an afterword by Film Writer Graham Fuller; Alternate, internationally released soundtrack, with postsync dialogue; ; Original Theatrical Trailer; ; Plus: A booklet featuring an essay by Fuller

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Lynn Perrie	Mrs. Casper
Freddie Fletcher	Jud
Colin Welland	Mr. Farthing
Brian Glover	Mr. Sugden,Tibbutt
Bob Bowes	Mr. Gryce
Trevor Hasketh	Mr. Crossley
Eric Bolderson	Farmer
Geoffrey Banks	Mathematics Teacher
Zoe Sutherland	Librarian
Joe Miller	Mrs. Casper's Friend
Joey Kaye	Comedian at Pub
Bernard Atha	Youth Employment Officer
Robert Naylor	MacDowell
Douggie Brown	Milkman
Stephen Crossland	Billy's Friend
George Speed	Billy's Friend
Frank Norton	Billy's Friend
Martin Harley	Younger Boy
Billy Dean	Fish and Chip Shop Man
Harry Markham	Actor
David Bradley	Actor
John Cameron	Composer

Technical Credits

Ken Loach

Tony Garnett

Barry Hines

Ken Loach	Director,Screenwriter
Tony Garnett	Screenwriter,Producer
Barry Hines	Screenwriter
Tony Jackson	Sound/Sound Designer
Gerry Humphreys	Sound/Sound Designer

Editorial Reviews

Although made in two months for less than $400,000, this 1969 film achieved astounding success and acclaim, rightfully earning itself a place on almost everyone's list of best British films. It follows the fortunes -- or misfortunes -- of a downtrodden adolescent named Billy Casper, played superbly by David Bradley. Billy lives in the working-class section of Barnsley in Yorkshire, England. Abused and neglected at home and bullied and ridiculed at school, he finds purpose in raising and training a rescued kestrel, the only breed of falcon that peasants were permitted to own in feudal England. Billy and his little friend, whom he appropriately dubs "Kes," symbolize the sorry lot of the British underclass in a social system designed to produce submissive workers to serve the ruling elite. As a mere commoner, Billy doesn't count. He and his family are without title, without money, without status. So effective was the film in delivering its message -- without preaching, without sentimentality, but with welcome touches of humor -- that it became a model to be imitated in later films with similar themes. The script for the film was adapted from the popular Barry Hines book A Kestrel for a Knave. The film marked the debut of several of filmdom's finest talents, including director Ken Loach, cinematographer Chris Menges, and actors Colin Welland and Brian Glover. Welland plays Mr. Farthing, a teacher who encourages Billy, while Glover plays Mr. Sugden, a teacher who bullies Billy.

All Movie Guide - Mike Cummings