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Poster for Kes

Kes

Seen it?

1970 | 111 min | Drama

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Rebel Without a Cause, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 51 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • Made in 1970: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Bullied at school and ignored and abused at home by his indifferent mother and older brother, Billy Casper, 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 and his fellow students, Billy finally finds a positive purpose to his unhappy existence.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.4 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    2 wins and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 208K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ken Loach

  • David BradleyBilly
  • Freddie FletcherJud
  • Lynne PerrieMrs. Casper
  • Colin WellandMr. Farthing
  • Brian GloverMr. Sugden
  • Bob BowesMr. Gryce
  • Bernard AthaYouth Employment Officer
  • Laurence Bould
  • Joey KayePub Comic
  • Ted Carroll