Kes

This is a story about the boyhood of Bill, growing up in the late 1960s in the industrial north of England.  He is a working class boy with not so much intellectual stimulation besides school with its agressive and sadistic teachers. Beaten and rediculed both by teachers and other classmates, he finds a space of his own in these deprived and impoverished surroundings. That escape from the hard reality comes here in a kestrel that he starts training in the fields. He actually gets really good at it, but is there enough room for a free spirit in this harsh environment? In school he is bullied especially by the sports teacher and as he tries to escape a football training he is forced to undress in front of the others to change to a far too big pair of training trousers and afterwards he has to shower all naked in ice-cold water.

The film is from 1969 but still interesting to watch as a piece of social history.

My personal rating:

Highly recommended. 

Looking For Miracles

This nice film released in 1990 is about 16-year old Ryan and his little brother, growing up in sparse economic circumstances. Gifted in school, but with no money to afford University, Ryan takes his chance as a leader at a summer camp. With no experience at all (he can’t even swim, and has never seen a canoe paddle), he takes his brother with him to an adventure that forever will change their relationship.

This really heartwarming film has won two awards and several nominations.

It’s a true coming-of-age film.

My personal rating:

Highly recommended

White Mane

”In the south of France

where the Rhone spills into the sea,

there is an arid land

called the Camargue,

where herds of wild horses live”.

This is another French film and this one dates back all the way to 1953. However, Janus Films has made an astonishing work in restoring this unique piece of cinematographic art. In black-and white, you are silently floating right into this beautiful film. The dialogue is almost absent, but the photo is marvelous. It’s relaxing to watch this film.

My personal rating:

Highly recommended

La Revolte Des Enfants

”Where do these children go, none of them smiling?”

-Victor Hugo (Melancholia)

This French film released in 1992 is about a group of children, orphans or criminals, that instead of being sent to prison are being transported to a children’s colony in a remote island. The owner of the colony is called ”father” and the guards are the ”cousins”, and together with the children they are ”family”. In reality this is no better place than a regular prison, with hard work and constantly the threat of punishment by the guards. The colony’s annual celebration is coming up, and some of the boys are planning a revolt during the event.

This is not surprisingly a well made French film, with an interesting plot and good acting and photo. There is some violence and a few scenes with sexual themes not suitable for younger viewers as well as some moderate nudity.

My personal rating:

Highly recommended