David Bradley is utterly authentic as Billy...

Kes, admirably photographed by Chris Menges (who was camera operator on Poor Cow) is not to be lightly dismissed; and Loach's success with young players especially makes one eager to see his forthcoming film for the Save the Children Fund.

One of the nation's finest film-makers at an early peak.

There's a satisfaction to be found in the sereneness of the boy and his bird, contrasting with the harsh realities of growing pains.