Watch The Angels' Share

The Angels' Share is a 2012 Scottish dark comedy directed by Ken Loach and written by Paul Laverty. The film takes a sobering look at contemporary urban life in central Scotland, particularly the struggles faced by young working-class Glaswegians. The central character in the story is Robbie (played by Paul Brannigan), a reformed criminal who is attempting to start a new life after the birth of his son.

Robbie struggles with the temptation to resort to his old ways, as he is constantly met with obstacles in his attempts to secure a stable future for his family. Through a court-appointed community service program, Robbie meets Harry (played by John Henshaw), a whisky connoisseur who takes him under his wing, and introduces him to the world of fine Scotch whisky.

The crux of the plot revolves around a high-end whisky auction in which an extremely rare cask of malt whisky, known as the "Angel's Share," is set to be sold. Robbie and his newfound friends hatch a plan to steal a portion of the whisky, which they hope to sell on the black market for a large sum of money.

The Angels' Share is ultimately a story about social justice and the possibility of redemption. It draws attention to the cyclical injustices that trap people in poverty, but also highlights the transformative power of community and mentorship. The film is a darkly comedic take on contemporary urban life, tackling difficult issues with a keen eye, a sharp wit, and poignancy.

The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Roger Allam as Thaddeus, a wealthy whiskey collector, and Siobhan Reilly as Leonie, Robbie's long-suffering girlfriend. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the Scottish landscape and the harsh reality of urban poverty with equal artistry.

The Angels' Share received widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling and authentic depiction of Scottish life. At the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, it won the Jury Prize and was also nominated for the prestigious Palme d'Or. It also won awards at several other international film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival and the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Overall, The Angels' Share offers a compelling exploration of the themes of poverty, despair, and redemption, in the context of contemporary urban Scotland. The film strikes a delicate balance between humor and tragedy, and leaves the viewer with a sense of hope and optimism, even in the most challenging of circumstances. If you're a fan of Scottish cinema or are interested in thought-provoking comedies that tackle important issues, then The Angels' Share is a must-see film.

The Angels' Share is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 66.