David Bradley is utterly authentic as Billy...

| Aug 14, 2023

Kes, admirably photographed by Chris Menges (who was camera operator on Poor Cow) is not to be lightly dismissed; and Loach's success with young players especially makes one eager to see his forthcoming film for the Save the Children Fund.

| Mar 16, 2015

One of the nation's finest film-makers at an early peak.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Mar 16, 2015

Kes is one of the most astute, engaged films about education and what it takes for kids to be excited about learning or passionate about anything, really, whether in the classroom or roaming the fields with a feathered friend.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Mar 14, 2015

The politics of the schoolyard are more important than the politics of London in Kes, and though he finds himself continuously ridiculed, Billy can always come back to his beloved kestrel.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Feb 21, 2015

Seen today, it still cries its authentic song of rage. It still cuts like a knife.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 9, 2011

Jaunty, sad, poetic, Kes is so humane it makes you tremble.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Sep 9, 2011

Loach's beady eye catches it all, but it's the casting of Bradley that was his masterstroke.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Sep 9, 2011

A rich film of flesh and blood.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Sep 8, 2011

A classic of British social realism.

| Apr 18, 2011

Simply, the filmmakers have brought the background of the boy's life vividly into reality.

| Apr 18, 2011

Terrific performances, illuminated by Chris Menges' naturalistic but often evocative photography.

Full Review | Jun 24, 2006

Loach is not a director of notable style, nor can he often refuse the obvious shot, but he seems to have a remarkable talent for handling actors and obtaining performances that are truly memorable.

| May 9, 2005

Kes is Loach at his best.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Oct 23, 2004

Unforgettable when it first appeared 30 years ago, Kes remains something of a landmark.

| Original Score: 5/5 | May 28, 2003