The Angels’ Share Review

28th May 2012

Paul Brannigan plays Robbie, a young man whose destiny can only go one of two ways; prison or death. A family feud that goes back through the generations is becoming more and more violent and Robbie can’t escape it. Facing imprisonment the judge, seeing that he’s got a baby on the way, decides to give him one last chance. Robbie vows to take it with both hands. The birth of his son, cements this promise and Robbie looks for a way to find a better life for himself and his new family.

However, in order to fund that new life on the straight and narrow, Robbie has to commit one last crime. Yes, it’s morally dubious, but it’s just a whisky heist and therefore a victimless crime. Well, the victim’s an American paying over a £1million for the a cask of rare whisky, but if you’ve got more money than sense…But whether, they succeed or not, Robbie is at least in it for the right reasons.

Siobhan Reilly plays his partner, Leonie with sincerity; here is one person that sees something in him that’s worth all the trouble. Her father doesn’t quite see it that way and there is an absolutely brutal scene of him and his brothers preventing Robbie from seeing Leonie once she’s given birth. But it’s Harry, played by John Henshaw who really gives Robbie the confidence to find something he’s good at. In this case, it’s the art of whisky tasting.

With an almost fully unknown cast, this film could have gone wither way. But it is utterly charming, full of laughs (although one of these is quite disgusting) and a very strong lead performance. Paul Brannigan plays Robbie with a sense that yes, he is committing a crime, but it’s justified. You know if the heist works, Robbie is staying true to his word and looking forward. It’s an excellent, genuine performance especially as you never get the impression that Robbie is just another thug. The scene were Robbie has to face his own victim as a part of restorative justice is taut and uncomfortable viewing; the person you’re rooting for is far from perfect, but what does that mean – that he’s not ever going to be anything else?

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this film is life mimicking art. Paul Brannigan was born into similar circumstances. His parents both struggled with alcohol addiction and the family feud which features so heavily in the film, has also had a significant prescence in his life. His aunt was stabbed and at 16, Paul was convicted for three years when he accompanied his Uncle to avenge the stabbing. The birth of his own son, Leo, gave Paul a chance to turn his life around, and what a turn around it’s been. He started coaching football for the Violence Reduction Unit in Strathclyde and pursuing his acting ambitions. Not only has he won this role, but also a role in the new Scarlett Johansson film Under the Skin.

Ken Loach gives an absolutely accurate portrayal of a life that is underpinned by violence, crime, unemployment and discrimination. It’s got a lot to say for itself politically and socially, though you won’t notice till later. This is a film that revolves around the idea of second chances and the kindness of strangers. You leave thinking that Robbie is going to be alright, no matter what happens. I’m sure Paul Brannigan feels the same way.