The Angels' Share: A light hearted change of heart

What would someone do if they are given a fresh leash on life? A chance to start over after making a mistake with a fresh slate or merely a second chance after disappointing someone who is close to them; usually, anyone would grab the chance with open arms and try to stay away from anything detrimental. But when trouble keeps coming back after you it can be quite taxing and, as we witness in Ken Loach’s The Angels’ Share, it can be quite hilarious as well.

Robbie is a to-be father who is always caught on the wrong side of the law. From causing trouble in gang fights to run-ins with police officials, he has always been getting the short end of the stick. So when he tries hard to stay out of trouble with his pregnant girlfriend, he manages to keep away from a court trail for 10 months before he is dragged back in and confined to multiple hours of community service. In the community service group, Robbie meets a bunch of similar people who find it difficult to maintain stable jobs and stay clear of trouble because of the stigma attached to their previous prison terms. In this break, Robbie’s girlfriend gives birth to his son who he names Luke. Robbie vows that Luke will never have to suffer the same social stigma he has faced since he was a teenager and in his attempt to provide a stable future for Luke and his girlfriend, Robbie and his group of delinquents hitch a plan to make loads of money overnight at a whiskey distillery.

The Angel’s Share is a story of people trying to make it out of a rut to make a better future for themselves. In hind sight, there is a pleasant irony in the plot whereby they attempt to leave a life of crime behind by possibly committing a big crime in the bargain.  The film brings together a mix of characters including a person who is always indulging in brawls, a reckless dunce who might cause harm to society and himself, a vandal who holds grudges towards public property and a kleptomaniac. The course of the film leaves the lives of the three supporting characters shrouded in a mild sense of mystery while delving further into the life of the protagonist, Robbie.

Ken Loach brings subtle humour to the table with this film which has elements of slapstick and situational comedy. This 2012 comedy-drama film isn’t about hard hitting facts but an enjoyable viewing experience. It isn’t a feel good film but doesn’t fall short of bringing a smile to the face of the audience every now and then, and at a few instances, it is also good for a chuckle or two.

The film has a light hearted tone from the beginning until the end. It maintains its style of being an enjoyable film to watch from its opening frame right until the closing one.