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, Roger Allam

7 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Brannigan	...	Robbie
Siobhan Reilly	...	Leonie
John Henshaw	...	Harry
Gary Maitland	...	Albert
William Ruane	...	Rhino
Jasmin Riggins	...	Mo (as Jasmine Riggins)
Scott Dymond	...	Willy
Scott Kyle	...	Clancy
Neil Leiper	...	Sniper
James Casey	...	Dougie
Caz Dunlop	...	Caz
Gilbert Martin	...	Matt
Stewart Preston	...	Sheriff
Vincent Friell	...	Procurator Fiscal
Kirstin Murray	...	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:

drink | distillery | community service | drinking | whiskey | 

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Taglines:

Enjoy responsibly.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama

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Certificate:

12

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

UK France Belgium Italy

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 October 2012 (Germany)

Also Known As:

Angels' Share - Ein Schluck für die Engel

Filming Locations:

Mitchell Lane, Glasgow, Strathclyde, 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?

Trivia

The film features the 'acting' of two former Dundee United football players - Charlie Miller (one of Leonie's uncles) and Andy McLaren (the father of Robbie's assault victim at the meeting).

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Goofs

When Harry is discussing Robbie's life of crime with him, he says that Robbie wouldn't want to miss his son growing up. This is discussed before the child is born. Later, when Luke (Robbie's son) is born, it is clear that no one knew that he would be a boy before the event.

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Connections

Featured in Dream Me Up Scotty! (2013)

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Soundtracks

Some Chords
Performed by Deadmau5
Licensed courtesy of Virgin Records Limited
Written by Deadmau5 (as Joel Zimmerman)
Published by EMI Music Publishing Limited

User Reviews

Braveheart, you bastards!

Another terrific film from the master of the kitchen sink, Ken Loach. Like all of Loach's films, Angels' Share takes a look at the judicial system and how the mistreatment of criminals effects their lives. In the case of Robbie, our protagonist, the poor decision by the courts – coupled with his girlfriend and their newborn baby – has a profound effect on his life as he begins to put his juvenile past behind him… that is until his community service officer instills a newfound interest in whiskey. These events lead up to a pivotal heist scene that plays out like something from the French new wave with a hint of British. Loach's direction has definitely adapted with the times but his adaptation of long-time collaborator Paul Laverty's screenplay is as poignant as it always is when the two collaborate. Undeniably better than last year's Route Irish – which was a very rare look into the Iraq war – and definitely worth the watch.

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