The Angels' Share (2012)

Narrowly avoiding jail, new dad Robbie vows to turn over a new leaf. A visit to a whisky distillery inspires him and his mates to seek a way out of their hopeless lives.

Director:

Ken Loach

Writer:

Paul Laverty (screenplay)

Stars:

Paul Brannigan, John Henshaw, Gary Maitland

4 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Paul Brannigan	...	Robbie
John Henshaw	...	Harry
Gary Maitland	...	Albert
Jasmin Riggins	...	Mo (as Jasmine Riggins)
William Ruane	...	Rhino
Roger Allam	...	Thaddeus
Siobhan Reilly	...	Leonie
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Russell Anderson	...	Policeman
John P. Arnold	...	Volunteer Taster
Paul Birchard	...	North American Bidder
James Casey	...	Dougie
Jimmy Chisholm	...	Volunteer Taster
Roderick Cowie	...	Anthony
Scott Dymond	...	Willy
Nick Farr	...	Defence Lawyer

Storyline

This bitter sweet comedy follows protagonist Robbie as he sneaks into the maternity hospital to visit his young girlfriend Leonie and hold his newborn son Luke for the first time. Overwhelmed by the moment, he swears that Luke will not have the same tragic life he has had. Escaping a prison sentence by the skin of his teeth, he's given one last chance......While serving a community service order, he meets Rhino, Albert and Mo who, like him, find it impossible to find work because of their criminal records. Little did Robbie imagine how turning to drink might change their lives - not cheap fortified wine, but the best malt whiskies in the world. Will it be 'slopping out' for the next twenty years, or a new future with 'Uisge Beatha' the 'Water of Life?' Only the angels know........

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Plot Keywords:

whisky | community service | distillery | nosebleed | new father | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

UK France Belgium Italy

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 June 2012 (UK)

Also Known As:

La part des anges

Filming Locations:

Balblair Distillery, Edderton, Highland, Scotland, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$18,837 (USA) (12 April 2013)

Gross:

$304,357 (USA) (31 May 2013)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Entertainment One, Sixteen Films, Why Not Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Harry offers to drive Robbie to the hospital from the painting job, his clothes are covered with white dust and paint chips. But when they step outside to the van, they are suddenly spotless.

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Connections

Referenced in Have I Got News for You: Episode #43.9 (2012)

User Reviews

A Film with Heart.

My main conclusion after watching The Angel's Share is that I haven't seen enough Ken Loach films.

Obviously I was interested to see The Angel's Share given the Scottish setting and the little bit of hype that the film has received here through its appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. I wasn't disappointed by any aspect of the movie and would recommend it to anyone.

The characters are real and the acting is hard to fault. The film strikes a great balance between highlighting the mistakes the main character, Robbie, made in the past and not being overly sympathetic, and at the same time recognising that he deserves a chance to build a better future and put it all behind him. The inclusion of the scene where Robbie is confronted by one of his former victims and the victim's family was inspired.

All of the performances given are believable, but i'd reserve a special mention for John Henshaw, who plays Harry. There's an almost intangible sadness to the character where you know he's also trying to make up for earlier mistakes in his life, although the film never goes into details. Very understated and poignant in parts.

Above all, this is a film with heart and has something for everyone.