The Angels' Share (Theatrical Version) [DVD]

Is Ken Loach Britain's very own Woody Allen? On the surface, the answer would most likely be no. Stylistically very different. Closer inspection, however, show greater parallels than one might initially imagine. Both are extremely prolific, well within their twilight years, both have to venture into Europe to secure their funding and both are completely and utterly adored by the French.For Loach, forever on the periphery of popular culture (aside from Kes (1969), of course), things have never really been otherwise. In many ways, his films have provided a critical and unflinching picture of Britain throughout the last 40 years. Standing on the sidelines shining a light on the underdog and highlighting the gaps within the British class system, he has done so not with a crass voyeurism in the manner of a sneering class tourist, but with a sincere brushstroke of honesty. For all the destitution and violence, he has detailed the strong bonds that often exist within the deprived communities.The Angel's Share marks the 12th film that he has directed with the accompaniment of writer, Peter Laverty; a fruitful partnership that started back with Carla's Song (1996). Sharing more in common with the lighthearted and breezy (for Loach) Looking for Eric (2009) than the subsequent Route Irish (2010), there is room for plenty of laughs with this particular band of merry brothers (and sister).Opening with the sentencing of a number of delinquents to community service, the focus falls on young Robbie (Paul Brannigan), a ne'er do well who represents the latest in a long line of rogues born from his family's gene pool. With history seemingly set to repeat itself, and feuds with neighbouring families falling from one generation to the next, Robbie needs to break the cycle. If not for him, then for the child that is on its way. In a bitter twist, his pregnant girlfriend is the daughter of a rival family who do not look upon his presence kindly.Under the tutelage of community service officer, Harry (a reliably solid John Henshaw), Robbie is not only able to fulfill his civic obligation, but he is also able to strike upon a previously unforeseen nasal talent, which offers a potential 'out' through the whiskey trade. To say anything else would be a spoiler. Suffice to say, somewhere along the line a plan is hatched.Where the first half of this film offers a sombre, grimy look at Glasgow and the push and pull of family ties and tensions, the second half takes a far lighter tone. The first half is the more effective and compelling. In one scene, a meeting is set up where Robbie is confronted with the victim of his crime. Interspersed with flashbacks to the horrific violence that formed the basis of Robbie's conviction in time past, the effect is shocking. Loach has stated that he didn't want the flashbacks to be put in slow motion. He felt that this would diminish the brutality. He wanted to showcase the violence in real time. He wanted it to be visceral. He has succeeded. In fact, at first, the film struggles to recover from the power of this scene. The pace of the script counters this by flushing the narrative forward. It excels in doing so. There is a contagious bonhomie with all of the main characters, and the script has enough brio and warmth to engage the viewer. A minor quibble would be that the well performed Albert (Gary Maitland) suspends belief a little too far as a personality type, cast as he is in the idiot savant role. Still, there is certainly enough here for both emotional investment and a good few chuckles along the way.The only section that could be accused of dragging is the main set-piece involving the heist. This is perhaps an unfair criticism, however, as the film has to unavoidably subscribe to genre conventions at this point. The screenplay does its job well in enabling the film to zip by without too much damage being done.As a non-professional actor plucked from obscurity, Paul Brannigan's performance is outstanding, and he certainly stands to gain the most from this film's success. He is a natural, bringing both a strength and a vulnerability to Robbie.In some quarters, this film has been referred to as being a Scottish Full Monty. This does not necessarily do either film any real service. It is true that both are heartwarming and feature the working class. This is not enough to lump them in as the equivalent of each other though.As an intoxicating pick-me-up, the Angel's Share succeeds. Ken Loach has stepped further out into the light with this film, creating what is surely his most family friendly film (minus the swearing and violence of course, but you were never going to get a Mrs Doubtfire from him, were you?). Is this film perfect? No. However, just like the characters in the Angel's Share deserve a fair chance, so does this picture.for more film reviews: toomuchnoiseblog.com and [...]

Four young scallywags from Scotland with alcohol? How much do you want to align yourself with Trainspotting?Actually, I liked this movie. As well as the four troublesome (but likeable) leads it has Roger Allam as the serious businessman/investor who always adds a touch of class to any medium (film: Lady in the Van, radio: Cabin Pressure, TV: Endeavour, theatre: Les Miserables). I'm surprised Hollywood hasn't collared him for Rex Harrison or Vincent Price roles.I won't give anything away but the four young characters become very relatable (as if they were my friends). In fact I wouldn't mind a sequel/ spin-off TV series of them.

Entertaining, good fun, well worth a watch.

Absolutely hilarious story about a group of young Glaswegian people trying to make some money from an illegal activity in a whiskey distillery. British bitter sweet comedy-drama directed by Ken Loach I will watch this film again; it's a keeper.8/10Albert: What is that? That there. What is that?Rhino: What, that big thing on top of the hill?Albert: You cannae miss looking at that. What *is* that?Rhino: It's Edinburgh Castle, Albert.Albert: Is it?Rhino: Aye.Albert: What did they put it up there for? ###Harry: You don't recognise Edinburgh Castle?Albert: No. Or I wouldn't have been asking you.Harry: Have you been living in the cupboard all your life or what?Albert: And what's the matter with that, Harry?

This film is well worth a watch. I enjoyed it, have visited the distillery.

Had it on my list for quite a while and a meeting with Whisky Guru Charles Maclean, who's actually in the film, made the break through and I decided to buy the DVD to watch it a couple of times.Starts a bit rough but try to watch through that, see it as the ingredients towards the best, watch the change in Robbie during the film, magically played. Despite the roughness he turns from reaCtive towards Creative and decides to design his own future, away from passivity.Great introduction to malt whisky and the making, the fun to have with it and the teasing of all senses.Top film, great characters and fabulously played by all.It establishes a true connection between the imagined future lacking and the enjoyment of the Now, Here and how to change this using flow and opportunities.Cracking film.

This is a good film with a young cast of emerging faces giving strong performances and a supporting line up of established character actors.. Slightly odd structure where the first half is like a lightweight gangster film and the second is a comic caper in the Highlands. Somehow just about hangs together overall, with a little point or two to make along the way. Part redemption tale, part commentary on trapped, urban lives.

"The Angel's Share" is a film about a group of lumpen-proletarian petty criminals and violent thugs , who plan a heist of a valuable whisky cask from a rural distillery after their supervisor in a Community Service scheme introduces them to the world of malt whisky tasting. The leader of these foul mouthed Glaswegian "neds" is Robbie, a thug who following the birth of his son, is trying to break away from his violent past and start a new life. He is the ringleader of the whisky robbery and the brains behind the daring attempted theft. I didn't find the gang very likeable and the film maker clearly seems to think that the viewer should be on the side of this gang in their criminal endeavours, which I dont think they should. However it is a novel storyline and the film is entertaining enough. It follows in a tradition of similar Scottish films like "Neds", "Restless Natives" and various Bill Forsyth films, although "The Angel's Share" lacks the charm of the latter.