Review of Kes (1970) by Marcus W — 06 May 2013

One of the key films in British cinema, as it significantly helped shape its landscape, and perhaps the film that truly put Ken Loach on the map. Here, Loach is heavily influenced by the masters of Italian neo-realism and takes the cameras right to the street.

The result makes Kes seem gripping in a realist way, as the film not only comes across as a genuine and honest portrayal of the hardships of childhood but also a harrowing study on loss of innocence under society's lack of kindness.