FRRL FILM CLUB Wed 23 January 2019

KES Dir.Ken Loach, UK 1969, Cert U, 1h51m)

About Kes

Set in Yorkshire in the industrial north, 15-year old Billy (David Bradley) is ignored by his family and bullied at school. His expectations are limited to following his brother into the pits as he grows up. When he finds a young kestrel, Kes, everything changes – with the help of his English teacher, Mr Farthing (Colin Welland), and schoolfriends, he trains the bird. The remarkable relationship he develops with the bird gives him a new purpose in life.

‘marvellous, moving and compassionate’ ‘written and directed by one of the most politically committed of British filmmakers’ ‘an astute analysis of society at large’

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRYvUpsrqmg

Cast Director: Ken Loach Billy David Bradley Writer: Ken Loach Jud Freddie Fletcher Based on novel by: Barry Hines Mrs Casper Lynne Perry Producer: Tony Garnett Mr Farthing Colin Welland Cinematography: Chris Menges Mr Sugden Brian Glover Music: John Cameron Mr Gryce Bob Bowles Youth Employment Officer Bernard Atha Discussion prompts

1. The film is based on the book A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines. How important/relevant is it for the film to be faithful to the plot order and scene structures? 2. Does the strong dialect provide a barrier to the audience’s engagement with the film? 3. As the film progresses does it raise any positive aspects for Billy’s future?

4. What does it say about an education system that seems to be designed to limit children’s potential? 5. Does Billy’s care and training of a kestrel give him the strength to overcome the odds of his impoverished life? More about Kes:

Released in UK in 1970, David Bradley (Billy) won the 1971 BAFTAs for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles, and Best Supporting Actor - to Colin Welland (Mr Farthing); it was also nominated for Best Direction, Best Film and Best Screenplay BAFTAs; as well as winning other awards.

The film is usually considered an example of ‘British new wave’ or ‘kitchen sink drama’ social realist film – a genre in which ordinary working class lives are dramatized on stage or screen. It favoured the use of real locations and eschewed cinematic glamorization of poverty. Loach is well-known for his naturalistic style, often using non-professional actors – In Kes, Colin Welland (Billy's English teacher) was the only professional actor in the cast. The rest were amateurs including the headmaster who was a headmaster at a nearby school’ (IMDB).