Kes

Loach’s classic about a working-class schoolboy whose impoverished existence is transformed when he finds and cares for a kestrel.

  • Director

    Ken Loach

  • With

    David Bradley, Lynne Perrie, Freddie Fletcher, Collin Welland, Brian Glover

  • UK 1969. 111min

  • Digital

  • Certificate

    PG

Loach’s adaptation of Barry Hines’ novel centres on a Barnsley schoolboy who manages to escape, temporarily, a working-class life largely experienced as lonely and tedious when he finds, cares for and trains a kestrel. Avoiding sentimentality, the film is a lucid, affecting exploration of the narrow options open to people marginalised because they lack money, meaningful education and proper familial support.

See a Relaxed screening of Kes.