THE ANGEL’S SHARE – The Review

Review by Barbara Snitzer

The Angel’s Share is an unexpectedly delightful movie from English director Ken Loach whose previous films have been characterized as “social-realist” reflecting his left-wing views.  This movie deservedly won the Audience Award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

The movie takes place in Glasgow, Scotland, and some smart studio suit wisely made sure the film was released stateside with subtitles.  Yes, they speak English in Scotland, and no, you shouldn’t be offended.  Their presence alleviates the strain that comes with trying to understand the thick Glaswegian accent in which the word “kilt” sounds like “cult” to an American ear.  They also, perhaps unintentionally, make up for the poor performance of the sound engineers that result in only one side of phone conversations being at all audible. Most importantly, they keep us from questioning our own intelligence as seeing a word spelled out confirms our ignorance of it, rather than distract us from the movie as we wonder what was just said.

Do you know what a cleidach is?

These words you don’t know are terms related to whiskey made in Scotland, known as Scotch outside of that country. The Angel’s Share is a story of redemption by spirits; yes, those kinds of spirits.

Paul Brannigan plays Robbie, a young Glaswegian who has only experienced poverty and crime in his twenty-something years. His girlfriend, Leonie (Siobhan Reilly) is about to give birth to their first child.  With fatherhood looming in his immediate future, Robbie wants to change his life for the better.  With no role models around and the very real threat of violence from Leonie’s family, a better life seems impossible.

Ironically, the path to a better life will reveal itself after he is forced to confront the consequences of his having violently beaten an innocent stranger.  Robbie is sentenced to community service.  Fortunately, his supervisor is nothing like Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona. Harry (John Henshaw) has a kind soul; he drives Robbie to the hospital so he can see his newborn son.  While there, he witnesses the violence Leonie’s family are capable of and offers Robbie a safe refuge by inviting him to move in.

Harry offers a toast to Robbie’s son Luke and in that moment, when Robbie tastes whiskey for the first time, his new life begins.  As Harry shares his passion for whiskey, Robbie’s nascent talent emerges.  It turns out he has a gifted nose; Robbie can discern the various flavors in blended whiskies in the same way perfumers (who are actually referred to as “noses”) can differentiate the scents in fragrances.

Harry and Robbie develop a strong bond that helps Robbie reinforce the new choices he’s making.  When Harry invites Robbie to a whiskey tasting, to Harry’s chagrin, he is forced to include other members of the service crew.  None are as sharp or talented as Robbie, but together they are an entertaining motley crew and ultimately become Robbie’s accomplices.

I cannae reveal any more of the movie.  After you walk out of the cinema with a smile on your face, go have a wee dram and toast the character of Harry and the excellent actor who played him, John Henshaw.  Would that we could all have a Harry in our lives.

5 of 5 Stars

THE ANGEL’S SHARE opens in St. Louis May 3rd at Landmark’s The Tivoli Theater