Kes (1969) poster6

UK10 Essential British FilmsStop 6 of 10

Kes

1969 · 111 min · Drama

A bullied, neglected working-class Yorkshire boy finds purpose and tenderness for the first time when he captures and trains a wild kestrel, a fragile escape from a life with little hope. Ken Loach's tender, unsparing classic.

Why it’s here

Ken Loach’s unsentimental Barnsley portrait is a foundational work of British social realism, rooted in regional speech, place, class, and everyday life.

Runtime
111 min
Genre
Drama
Mood
thoughtful · uplifting
Entry
some context
Best for
film history

Part of 10 Essential British Films

This film is stop 6 of 10 in the hand-ranked native-cinema route through UK. See the complete ranking or read the selection methodology.

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