‘Kes’ soars on Criterion

“Kes,” one of the greatest British films ever made, has never had an American DVD release. Forty-one years after the film’s release, it’s about time.

“Kes” tells the story of Billy Casper, whose life no one would envy. The 15-year-old goes to a school for children with little hope of going to a university or getting a good job. His brother is bitter from working in a mine, and he relentlessly abuses Billy, verbally and physically. His teachers, with one exception, are no better.

Billy’s only refuge from crushing poverty is a kestrel that he catches and trains. The bird offers a respite from the dreariness of the film, created using only natural light.

Most of the film’s actors are nonprofessionals, yet they never look like deer in headlights. David Bradley, who plays Billy, is fascinating. He is never overly childish or mature, as many child actors are.

Despite his time with the kestrel, Billy is not destined to escape his working-class background. “Kes” refuses to pull any punches.