“Kes 1969” is a British film about a young boy and his falcon, an escape from the mundane life screeching in the small mining village. Darkly authentic and artistically insightful, this cinematic masterpiece is the story of hope and freedom amidst the bleakness of poverty and despair. With stunning cinematography and touching performances by its cast, “Kes 1969″ is a must-see for anyone who values powerful storytelling.”
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Review
Simon Sinek is a motivational speaker and writer who believes that the best way to inspire action is by focusing on the “why” behind it. He encourages people to think about their purpose and values, and how they can use them to make a positive impact in the world. In this article, we will explore the movie “Kes” through the lens of Simon Sinek’s philosophy, and discover why this film is such an important piece of British cinema.
The Storyline of Kes
“Kes” is a 1969 British drama film directed by Ken Loach. It tells the story of Billy Casper, a young boy living in a working-class community in Yorkshire who is struggling to find his place in life. Bullied at school and neglected at home by his older brother, Billy finds solace in training a kestrel that he has found and named Kes.
The Plot of Kes
The plot follows Billy’s growing attachment to Kes and his determination to train her despite all odds. He skips school to spend time with her, reads books on falconry, and learns how to care for her properly. As he becomes more skilled at handling the bird, he gains confidence in himself and begins to see a future beyond his current circumstances.
The Casts & Quotes from Kes
Barry Hines wrote the screenplay based on his book “A Kestrel for a Knave,” and David Bradley played Billy Casper with an incredible depth of emotion that still resonates with audiences today. One quote from the film which stands out is when Billy says: “I don’t know what I wanna do yet but I don’t wanna do what you’re doing.”
Acting & Characters
Bradley’s performance as Billy is incredibly powerful because he captures both the vulnerability and resilience of this young boy. He portrays him as someone who is lonely but also determined, someone who has been dealt a difficult hand in life but refuses to give up. Other notable characters in the film include Billy’s tough and abusive brother, Jud (played by Freddie Fletcher), and his kind-hearted teacher, Mr. Farthing (played by Colin Welland).
History & Popularity of Kes
“Kes” was released in 1969 to critical acclaim and has since become a classic of British cinema. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of working-class life and the struggles faced by young people growing up in that environment. The film resonated with audiences because it touched on themes such as poverty, education, family dynamics, and the power of nature.
Filming & Awards
The film was shot on location in various parts of Yorkshire, including Barnsley and Huddersfield. The cinematography by Chris Menges is stunning, particularly when he captures the beauty of the countryside where Billy trains Kes. “Kes” won several awards at international film festivals, including Cannes and Chicago.
Evaluation & Opinion on Kes
In Sinek’s philosophy, one of the key ways to inspire action is through storytelling. “Kes” does this brilliantly because it tells a story that is both specific to its time and place but also universal in its themes. It reminds us that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness if they have something or someone to believe in.
Scenes in Kes
One scene that stands out is when Billy takes Kes out for her first flight after weeks of training her. The joy on his face as he watches her soar through the air is infectious, and we are reminded of how thrilling it can be to witness someone else’s success.
Gossip & Soundtracks used in Kes
One interesting fact about “Kes” is that there was no original score for the film. Instead, Loach chose music from existing recordings by classical composers like Beethoven and Handel. This decision adds an additional layer of depth to the film because it underscores the idea that great art can be found in unexpected places.
Analysis & Dialogue in Kes
Another strength of “Kes” is its dialogue, which is naturalistic and often witty. This is particularly true of the scenes between Billy and Mr. Farthing, who has a dry sense of humor and genuinely cares about his student’s welfare. The film doesn’t shy away from difficult topics or situations, but it also doesn’t wallow in them unnecessarily.
Special Effects & Development
There were no special effects used in “Kes,” but this doesn’t detract from its impact. In fact, the lack of CGI or other fancy tricks makes the film feel even more authentic because we are forced to focus on the performances and storytelling rather than being distracted by visual gimmicks.
Cinematography & Crews
As previously mentioned, Chris Menges’ cinematography is stunning, particularly when he captures the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside. The film also benefits from a strong crew who worked tirelessly to make sure everything looked and sounded just right.
Criticism & Production
There has been some criticism of “Kes” over the years for its portrayal of working-class life as bleak and depressing. However, this is missing the point because the film is not about wallowing in misery; it’s about finding hope even in difficult circumstances. Loach himself has said that he wanted to show how people could overcome their circumstances through simple acts of kindness and determination.
Editing & Awards
The editing in “Kes” is understated but effective. There are no flashy cuts or editing tricks; instead, we are allowed to linger on certain shots and scenes to build tension or emphasize a particular emotion. The film’s many awards are a testament to its strength as a piece of filmmaking.
Conclusion on Kes
In conclusion, “Kes” is an outstanding example of British cinema that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its universal themes of perseverance, hope, and the power of nature make it a timeless classic that people of all ages can appreciate. Whether you’re a fan of Ken Loach’s work or just looking for a powerful and moving film, “Kes” is definitely worth watching.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 111
- Release : 1969-11-18
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : David Bradley as Billy, Freddie Fletcher as Jud, Lynne Perrie as Mrs. Casper, Colin Welland as Mr. Farthing, Brian Glover as Mr. Sugden
- Crew : Chris Menges as Director of Photography, Ken Loach as Screenplay, Ken Loach as Director, John Cameron as Music, Roy Watts as Editor
- Popularity 12.999
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Woodfall Film Productions, Kestrel Films Ltd.
- Summary : A young, English working-class boy finds a kestrel and decides to train it.
- Tagline : They broke his heart but they couldn’t break his spirit.
