LoginHonestly, it has been a while since I have watched this flick and maybe I should re-watch it again at some point. Anyway, back in the 90’s, I was quite a fan of Ken Loach’s work so I was quite eager to check this movie, one of his very first. Indeed, it is usually considered a massive classic from the British cinema so I had some rather high expectations. Eventually, to be honest, even though I thought it was a decent watch, I can’t say I was really blown away by the whole thing. I don’t know, maybe I was just too young at the time to really appreciate it but I just couldn’t see what was so amazing about the damned thing. I mean, the directing was solid, as usual with this director, and I always loved the way he mixes a really realistic barren social environment with a captivating dramatic story. Furthermore, the young actor playing the lead character was also really good as well. And yet, this tale was slightly too generic and predictable to become really remarkable. Anyway, to conclude, even though it didn’t turn out to be one of my favorites movies, it was still pretty good and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you like the genre or if you are interested in Ken Loach’s work.
Kes Reviews
A good movie
Posted : 8 years, 5 months ago on 23 November 2015 04:32
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Kes - imdb review
Posted : 16 years, 7 months ago on 30 September 2007 12:22
Kes adapted from the Barry Hines novel 'A Kestral for a Knave' is absolutely amazing. The review on imdb says it all for me, so am repeating that review here:
If you are not from the north of England you may have difficulty with the dialogue in this film but don't let it put you off this is a masterpiece. The story of a teenage boy with no friends and no hope set in the mining heartland of Yorkshire in the sixties is absolutely authentic. He finds salvation from the grim reality of his existence when he rears and trains a young kestrel, which is the only thing in his young life that has any meaning. David Bradley who plays Billy Casper in the leading role is superb. There are many scenes from the film that are absolute gems, but here are a few that warrant a special mention. Brian Glover playing the role of Billy's physical education teacher is out of this world, why he was never nominated as best supporting actor for an Oscar I will never know. Colin Welland (later to become an Oscar winner himself for screenplay of Chariots of Fire) was also brilliant as Billy's form teacher. The film reaches out to you on many levels. In me it stirred horror, anger, humour and tears. I am quite sure it will also do the same to anyone who views this timeless masterpiece.
If you are not from the north of England you may have difficulty with the dialogue in this film but don't let it put you off this is a masterpiece. The story of a teenage boy with no friends and no hope set in the mining heartland of Yorkshire in the sixties is absolutely authentic. He finds salvation from the grim reality of his existence when he rears and trains a young kestrel, which is the only thing in his young life that has any meaning. David Bradley who plays Billy Casper in the leading role is superb. There are many scenes from the film that are absolute gems, but here are a few that warrant a special mention. Brian Glover playing the role of Billy's physical education teacher is out of this world, why he was never nominated as best supporting actor for an Oscar I will never know. Colin Welland (later to become an Oscar winner himself for screenplay of Chariots of Fire) was also brilliant as Billy's form teacher. The film reaches out to you on many levels. In me it stirred horror, anger, humour and tears. I am quite sure it will also do the same to anyone who views this timeless masterpiece.
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