Kes (1969) 7.7
A young, English working-class boy spends his free time caring for and training his pet falcon. Director:Ken Loach |
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Kes (1969) 7.7
A young, English working-class boy spends his free time caring for and training his pet falcon. Director:Ken Loach |
|
| Watch Trailer 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| David Bradley | ... | ||
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Freddie Fletcher | ... |
Jud
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Lynne Perrie | ... |
Mrs. Casper
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Colin Welland | ... |
Mr. Farthing
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Brian Glover | ... |
Mr. Sugden
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Bob Bowes | ... |
Mr. Gryce
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Bernard Atha | ... |
Youth Employment Officer
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Laurence Bould |
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Joey Kaye | ... |
Comedian at Pub
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Ted Carroll |
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Robert Naylor | ... |
MacDowell
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Agnes Drumgoon |
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George Speed | ... |
Billy's Friend
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Desmond Guthrie |
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Zoe Sutherland | ... |
Librarian
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Bullied at school and ignored and abused at home by his indifferent mother and older brother, Billy Casper (David Bradley), a 15-year-old working-class Yorkshire boy, tames and trains his pet kestrel falcon whom he names Kes. Helped and encouraged by his English teacher Mr. Farthing (Colin Welland) and his fellow students, Billy finally finds a positive purpose to his unhappy existence, until tragedy strikes. Written by alfiehitchie
If you are not from the north of England you may have difficulty with the dialogue in this film but dont 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 billys 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 billys 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.