Kes (1970)

Although made in two months for less than $400,000, this 1969 film achieved astounding success and acclaim, rightfully earning itself a place on almost everyone's list of best British films. It follows the fortunes -- or misfortunes -- of a downtrodden adolescent named Billy Casper, played superbly by David Bradley. Billy lives in the working-class section of Barnsley in Yorkshire, England. Abused and neglected at home and bullied and ridiculed at school, he finds purpose in raising and training a rescued kestrel, the only breed of falcon that peasants were permitted to own in feudal England. Billy and his little friend, whom he appropriately dubs "Kes," symbolize the sorry lot of the British underclass in a social system designed to produce submissive workers to serve the ruling elite. As a mere commoner, Billy doesn't count. He and his family are without title, without money, without status. So effective was the film in delivering its message -- without preaching, without sentimentality, but with welcome touches of humor -- that it became a model to be imitated in later films with similar themes. The script for the film was adapted from the popular Barry Hines book A Kestrel for a Knave. The film marked the debut of several of filmdom's finest talents, including director Ken Loach, cinematographer Chris Menges, and actors Colin Welland and Brian Glover. Welland plays Mr. Farthing, a teacher who encourages Billy, while Glover plays Mr. Sugden, a teacher who bullies Billy. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide