Hello, movie friends. I'm Lily Percy and I'll be your guide this week as I talk with Slate

podcast, June Thomas, about the movie that changed her life, Kez. It's a British movie with

some strong accents, and we're going to give you all the details you'll need to enjoy the conversation.

I had never heard of the movie Kes before, even though I was really familiar with the films of Ken Loach, who's the director of the movie.

Ken Loach, for me, has been my teacher in all things activism. His movies often deal with the struggling working class, the marginalized

communities all around the world who are just trying to survive. And even though all of his

movies tend to be realistic and therefore depressing, they're also inspiring. And they've

connected me to stories and people

that I would never have connected with otherwise, like Kez.

They seem to pick on you, don't they, Casper? Why is it?

Don't know, sir.

Because you're a bad, then?

Maybe I am sometimes, but I'm not that bad, sir.

I know the stature of the kids that's warning me, but they seem to get away with you. Hmm. Why else do you think, eh? There must be some reason, wasn't there? Well, take this morning, sir. I just came in, sir, and just dozed off. I won't do it out wrong, sir. You see, I'd been up since six, I had to do papers, then I had to rush home to have a look at bed, then run to school. I mean to say you'd be proud, wouldn't you, sir? Be exhausted. And that's not, you shouldn't be cane for that, should you, sir? You can't tell Mr. Grice that. And this little lad, sir, he'd only brought a letter, sir, from one at teachers, and he ain't got It's not to laugh it, sir.

Afterwards, you're sick as a dog.

Kess tells the story of Billy Casper,

a young kid in a community in Yorkshire in the north of England.

He's poor, he's lower working class,

and his family's struggling,

struggling to survive and also struggling to just be together.

Billy is ignored by them, especially his older brother Judd.

He's also ignored by his school system.

...