Kes (1969)

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Billy Casper	David Bradley
Jud	Freddie Fletcher
Mrs. Casper	Lynne Perrie	½
Mr. Farthing	Colin Welland
Mr. Sugden	Brian Glover	½
Mr. Gryce	Bob Bowes	½

Review

Ken Loach's second feature film is bleak, symbolic social realism about the despondence and lack of prospects for youngsters in mining-based communities in contemporary Yorkshire. Filmed on location in Barnsley with mostly unprofessional local actors, the movie has that rare combination of artistic naivety and an assured voice – the work of a young, ambitious filmmaker with a clear agenda and artistic talent, but not very much experience. Loach took a chance on the local 15-year-old David Bradley, put his camera on him, and let him carry much of the drama with what turned out to be a telling, subdued performance. And through its dual main theme – a tribute to mother nature and the endless possibilities it gives, but which Billy only gets a small whiff of – the film attains a timeless, lyrical quality.