Kes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bullied kid steals a bird and then his brother ruins everything, as usual.

🍿 Kes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Billy Casper

Billy Casper, a 15-year-old working-class boy in Yorkshire, faces a bleak existence marked by bullying at school and neglect at home. His older brother, Jud, a coal miner, is abusive, and his mother is largely indifferent. Billy’s future seems predetermined: a life of hardship down in the mines. He drifts through his days, seemingly without hope or purpose.

Discovery of Kes

Billy’s life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a kestrel nest in a nearby field. He becomes fascinated by the bird and steals a chick, which he names Kes. He dedicates himself to training Kes, teaching himself falconry through a stolen book. This newfound passion provides him with a sense of purpose and escape from his grim reality.

The Bond Between Billy and Kes

The relationship between Billy and Kes deepens, becoming a symbol of freedom and hope in his otherwise desolate life. Billy’s dedication to Kes earns him the respect of his English teacher, Mr. Farthing, who encourages him to share his experiences with the class. For the first time, Billy experiences positive attention and a sense of accomplishment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Billy Casper (David Bradley): A bullied and neglected 15-year-old working-class boy who finds solace and purpose in training a kestrel.
• Jud (Freddie Fletcher): Billy’s abusive and resentful older brother who works as a coal miner and hinders Billy’s happiness.
• Mrs. Casper (Lynne Perrie): Billy’s indifferent and struggling mother who is unable to provide adequate support for her sons.
• Mr. Farthing (Colin Welland): Billy’s sympathetic English teacher who recognizes Billy’s passion for the kestrel and encourages him.
• Mr. Sugden (Brian Glover): A sadistic and frustrated P.E. teacher who embodies the oppressive authority figures in Billy’s life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Billy: “He’s nobbut a bird.” – Billy’s simple explanation of Kes to those who don’t understand his passion.
• Mr. Farthing: “If you’re not interested in my subject, I’m not interested in you.” – Mr. Farthing’s attempt to engage his students, highlighting the disinterest and disconnect in the classroom.
• Jud: “I’ll leather you, you little so-and-so.” – Jud’s constant threat of violence towards Billy, showcasing their abusive relationship.
• Mr. Sugden: “Casper! You were sleeping, weren’t you, Casper!” – Mr. Sugden’s accusatory outburst during the football game, exemplifying his unreasonable and bullying behavior.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £75,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $79,751

💥 Kes Reviews

Personal Review

Kes is a film that really stuck with me. I was moved by Billy’s connection with Kes and the bleakness of his surroundings. The scene where Billy shares his experience with Kes in class was incredibly touching. The ending was devastating, but it made the story even more impactful. It’s a raw and honest film that made me think about the power of hope and the challenges faced by working-class communities. Definitely a must-watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British social realism”
  • “Those interested in coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives”
  • “People interested in films about class and social inequality”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Bullying”
  • “Animal cruelty (implied)”
  • “Physical abuse”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of poverty and despair”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Loach’s compassionate eye captures the bleakness of working-class life with unflinching honesty and surprising tenderness, showcasing the transformative power of connection in the face of adversity.
• Sight & Sound: “A poignant portrayal of youthful resilience in a suffocating environment, Kes resonates with its authentic performances and insightful social commentary, making it a timeless masterpiece of British cinema.
• Time Out: “Kes is a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story that skillfully blends realism with moments of profound beauty, delivering a powerful message about hope, loss, and the enduring spirit of a young boy and his bird.

Audience Reactions

The film’s realistic portrayal of working-class life resonated deeply with viewers.: Many viewers praised David Bradley’s natural and authentic performance as Billy Casper.

The connection between Billy and Kes touched the hearts of many.: Viewers appreciated the film’s ability to evoke strong emotions through its simple yet powerful story.

Overall Consensus: Kes is a highly acclaimed British film celebrated for its realism, poignant story, and authentic portrayal of working-class life.

Awards

1. BAFTA Film Award (Best Newcomer)- 1971
2. BAFTA Film Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1971

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “David Bradley, who played Billy Casper, was a local boy with no prior acting experience. He was discovered through a casting call at his school.”
• “The film was shot on location in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, using mostly non-professional actors to enhance the realism.”
• “Director Ken Loach is known for his social realism and often works with improvisation to capture authentic performances.”
• “The scene where the headmaster canes the boys was controversial, as the child actors were actually caned (though lightly) by the real school headmaster, who played himself in the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Kes?

As a classic film, ‘Kes’ is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for streaming availability as it may vary depending on your region and subscription services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Kes, you might like these similar films:

• Billy Elliot (2000): Shares themes of a working-class boy finding solace and escape through an unexpected passion, facing adversity and societal expectations.
• The 400 Blows (1959): A coming-of-age story about a misunderstood young boy struggling against authority and societal expectations, reflecting similar themes of rebellion and alienation.
• Sweet Sixteen (2002): A Scottish teenager dreams of a better life for himself and his mother, and will do anything to get there.
• This Sporting Life (1963): A similar British New Wave film exploring the harsh realities of working-class life in the North of England, with a focus on a man’s struggle against his circumstances.

🛒 Kes Related Products

• Ken Loach at the BBC: A collection of early Ken Loach works for the BBC. This digital collection explores themes of social injustice, poverty, and working-class struggles, offering a comprehensive view of Loach’s early directorial vision.
• Kestrel Falconry Starter Kit: A starter kit tailored for aspiring falconers, including essential equipment like jesses, swivels, and a training lure, designed to provide a safe and ethical introduction to the art of falconry.
• The Barry Hines Collection: A complete collection of Barry Hines’ novels and screenplays, including ‘A Kestrel for a Knave,’ offering readers and fans a deep dive into the author’s exploration of working-class life and British social issues.
• Kes: Criterion Collection Blu-ray: A collector’s edition Blu-ray featuring a newly restored version of the film, bonus features, including interviews with cast and crew, and an essay by a prominent film critic, providing an in-depth viewing experience.

🎧 Soundtrack

Kes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Honey” – performed by The 4D Jones
• “Kes Main Theme” – performed by John Cameron

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

BBC Documentary – KES – A 40 Year Celebration!

Ever wondered what it was like making the classic film Kes? This BBC documentary features interviews with the director and lead actor 40 years later, and it’s amazing to hear their reflections. Definitely worth a watch!

Kes (1969) After 55 Years, What Happened to The Cast Now 2025!

Curious about what happened to the stars of Kes after all these years? This video checks in on the cast 55 years later, and it’s fascinating to see where life took them. You won’t believe what some of them are doing now!

Shooting Stars – Kes

Need a laugh after watching Kes? This classic comedy sketch based on the movie is hilarious! Vic & Bob really nail it, and it’s a great way to lighten the mood after such a moving film.

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