Kes (1969)

Living with his mother and older brother in working-class England and despite his protestations otherwise, destined for a life working the coal mines, fourteen year old David Bradley finds escape from his circumstances in the form of a falcon which he trains. Their relationship gives him confidence and a bright light into his dreary circumstances. Unfortunate from cruel teachers to his callous brother, the system is against him. Bradley’s portrayal of the slight young boy isn’t particularly likable, especially early in the film, but the changes he expresses as he slowly develops some self confidence makes you want to hope that something better awaits him in the future.