Pluskylang
Great Film overall
PiraBit
if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.
Numerootno
A story that's too fascinating to pass by...
Loui Blair
It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.
paul2001sw-1
'The Angels' Share' sees Ken Loach and screen writing partner Paul Laverty in relatively lighthearted mode: as usual with Loach, there's a sympathetic description of the plight of the urban poor, but there's also a cock-and-bull story about a money-making escapade, plus an extended plug for the Scotch whiskey industry. It's amiable and funny, but in places it feels formulaic: Loach is a gifted director at portraying everyday life, but his work with Laverty tends to follow a predictable template, and in this film, which lacks the rawest edges of his best work, this is a little too obviously exposed. Unusual too is the apparent sympathy for men so rich they could spend a million pounds on a cask of peaty alcohol.
Adam Peters
(58%) An above average modern day Scottish tale that successfully incorporates drama, comedy, and a heist movie in one satisfying package. Director Ken Loach is one of few film makers who has the ability to create a largely true to life depiction of life at the bottom step of British life that is both bleakly honest, bitingly tragic, yet still comedic and enjoyable to watch. Above all else this is a tale of redemption that has the ability to show its main character as a real human being with both a very good and a very bad side to his life unlike so many films with plain simple good guys and bad guys. This isn't a rival to Loach's best work, but there's enough here to make this worthy of a watch.
AudioFileZ
The Angel's Share combines cheekiness, quirkiness, and brilliance for a "cask" of exquisite entertainment. Credit the open minds of director Loach and writer Laverty to pair with a "anti-cast" featuring the brassy lead of unknown Brannigan for a fun crime romp.Like many Americans this treasure of a "Brit" film flew under my radar. If not for the buzz on the internet I would have never discovered this little gem. A special touch is required to make crime morph from dark to light, more so to be truly original. The Angel's Share accomplishes this and more. Based around a young protagonist who is literally going nowhere other than head first into a loser's life of crime there comes a slowly built uplifting tale in spite of criminal activity. This simply isn't a bank job or normal heist retread, it is purely original in that it revolves around that mysterious stuff fermented on the Scottish isle of Islay. Funnier still (in this case) after watching for a good 15 or so minutes I felt I was missing so much of the King's English I had to turn on the subtitles! If you love independent film without the high art you simply should see this movie. It's fiercely noncommercial, universally accessible, and amazingly entertaining all at once. Excellent.
l_rawjalaurence
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.
