Kes (1969)

Directed by Ken Loach. Starring David Bradley, Freddie Fletcher, Colin Weiland, Lynne Perrie, Brian Glover, Bob Bowes, Robert Naylor. [PG-13]

Heartbreaking coming of age tale of a working class lad from Northern England (Bradley), oppressed by limited social status circumstances and picked on both at home and at school, who finds an outlet for the frayed ends of his hopeful spirit in the companionship and training of a pet kestrel. Loach’s trademark social commentary shines through familiar story elements, with “local color” and naturalistic performances from a largely unprofessional cast of actors helping set it apart from the pack. Even the obvious metaphor of a soaring emblem attached to a grounded dreamer works because the scenes of Bradley and the bird are given romanticization as filtered through a grimy coal town reality and separated by the pitiless grind of daily life; also, the little feathered friend is irresistible. Note: the Yorkshire slang and accents are so impenetrable at times, it’s best to watch the film with subtitles/closed captioning on.

85/100