ridiculous rating

Disturbing yet enthralling

What begins as a feel-good-human-interest story turns into a mystery, then a tragedy, and ultimately an outrage.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Set in contemporary Glasgow, THE ANGELS' SHARE does not shy away from portraying the squalid reality of many young peoples' lives. Robbie (Paul Brannigan) has to complete long hours of community service, together with his friends Rhino (William Ruane), Albert (Gary Maitland) and Mo (Jasmin Riggins), while having to cope with the perpetual threat of attack from long-time adversary Clancy (Scott Kyle). However Robbie's 'minder' Harry (John Henshaw), who supervises him on his community service, introduces Robbie to the intricacies of scotch whisky, and Robbie's life is transformed as a result. In an attempt to improve his life, he becomes involved in an elaborate plot to steal an exceptionally rare brand of Scotch from a Highland distillery. While Paul Laverty's screenplay does not shy away from the seamier sides of Glasgow life, it nonetheless suggests that people can be redeemed, so long as they are provided with moral as well as emotional support. Harry seems an unlikely figure in this respect, but his basic honesty stands out in a film full of shady characters. The four youngsters (Robbie and his friends) are totally convincing in their roles - so much so that we share their pleasure when their scheme eventually succeeds and they can look forward to a better life, however transient that might be.

Ken Loach has a long and prolific history as director of "social realism" dramas that wallow in the depths of British society. So I was taken by surprise when his latest, "The Angels' Share", after an expected, gritty first 30 minutes we spend with Glasgow's finest citizens, develops into a heist comedy and even ends on that feel-good note. Top performances here, especially Paul Brennigan as the violent team leader Robbie, John Henshaw as "Big Harry" who shepherds the delinquents during their community service and gives them their chance, and Siobhan Reilly as Leonie, Robbie's mate and mother of his son, in a small but important role, guiding him into taking responsibility. The story is very fairy-tale like, depending on a lot of lucky coincidences that finally lead Robbie and his three buddies into the Scottish highlands where they manage to pinch four bottles of the most expensive Scotch ever sold - the genius being that nobody will be the wiser about the theft since an uncertain amount of Whisky evaporates over time anyway, the so-called "Angels' Share". Robbie even manages to secure a future for himself, Leonie and his son. So, while this ends on a really sugar-sweet note, there remains a bit of cynic distance - it's a sad world where a promising young man can only escape his pigeonhole in society through a chain of miracles. But that's really a minor gripe. Recommended! btw. I saw this subtitled and was glad about it, the scotch accents are melodic and nice but when tempers rose and the talking got heated I dinnae understand f***.

The Angel's Share is a tale of struggle and hope through deprivation where there seems no way out. Robbie (Paul Brannigan) faces time behind bars for assault unless he can turn his life around. With no family, except for the one he is trying to create with his girlfriend, Robbie meets new friends while serving the community and a father figure in Harry (John Henshaw).Robbie first has to deal with his violent past as enemies are out for revenge while his girlfriend's father wants to get rid of him. Harry introduces him, and the other colourful juveniles, to a different side to Scotland through its heritage and national drink: Whisky! The making of in this case. Discovering a hidden nose for the dram Robbie becomes gripped by the Whisky connoisseur way of life so different from his own. He impresses Harry with his enthusiasm and skill and also a Whisky collector Thaddeus (Roger Allam). Robbie is himself impressed by a particularly rare malt being sold for a high price in the Highlands. Robbie decides he needs money for his new family and he needs it quick so he and his pals pack their bags, don their kilts and see what they can do about this vintage malt...I like the way Ken Loach makes films e.g. getting the script out only on the day of filming, as it creates spontaneity and real character from the actors. I thought Paul Brannigan was excellent for an amateur and brought his own troubled experiences through in a way that was genuine and heart-felt. I loved the characters in this film delivered by excellent comic actors with great timing. The Angel's Share is about struggle, friendship and Whisky so what's not to love? If I was trying to be funny at this point in the review I would say it's Glasgow's answer to Sideways (2004)...

I didn't see the film, but with work done in class and thanks to my friends who told me the story, I can say that the film seems nice and maybe why not ? I would like to see this film ! The story seems pleasant and endearing. I think it's a story about real life and which shows that life can be difficult for anyone but you can get out of your problems if you are very motivated and if you have some people who help you. I saw some of pictures and it seems funny and sometimes hilarious ! I think it's a beautiful story about real life and it is this kind of topics that makes you want to see this movie and makes you appreciate the history. Characters seem fun and endearing ! This work has made ​​me want to see this film.