Kes

UPC: 715515070515

Studio: Criterion

MPAA Rating: PG13   Contains:[Questionable for Children]

Summary: 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. ~ Mike Cummings, Rovi

Category: Drama

Awards: Best Picture – British Academy of Film and Television Arts Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion – British Academy of Film and Television Arts Most Promising Newcomer – British Academy of Film and Television Arts Best Picture – National Board of Review Best Supporting Actor – British Academy of Film and Television Arts

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

Kes

Format: Blu-ray

Release Date: 04/19/2011

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 Vistavision

Runtime: 111 Minutes

Sides: 1

Number of Discs: 1

Language(s) English

Mike Cummings

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. ~ Mike Cummings, Rovi

Cast and Crew: Joey Kaye  Actor 
David Glover  Actor 
Harry Markham  Actor 
Bill Dean  Actor 
Bob Bowes  Actor 
John Cameron  Composer (Music Score) 
Tony Garnett  Producer 
Tony Garnett  Screenwriter 
Ken Loach  Director 
Ken Loach  Screenwriter 
Barry Hines  Screenwriter 
David Bradley  Actor 
Freddie Fletcher  Actor 
Lynne Perrie  Actor 
Colin Welland  Actor 
Brian Glover  Actor 

Country: UK