Kes DVD

British filmmaking showed much of its potential in this marvellous production chronicling the boyhood experiences of Billy, whose expectations lead no further than following his father into the pits when he reaches manhood.

Everything changes when he finds Kes, an injured Kestrel, whom he nurses and cherishes back to health. Their relationship becomes symbolic of a doomed attempt to escape the drudgery of the industrial North.

Kes is a marvellous, moving and compassionate film, so realistic that it is often funny. Written and directed by one of the most politically committed of British filmmakers, Kes is an astute authentic analysis of society at large.