Whisky and Kilts - "The Angels' Share"

[Freelancer]

This interesting article and review of the new film "The Angels Share" offers a Scottish perspective on the culture and perceptions present in Scotland today, a view which some of our native Scot members have often discussed on this forum.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/mo...ies&ref=movies

http://movies.nytimes.com/2013/04/12...ef=movies&_r=0

[Blupiper]

It's been out for a while in the UK. Would love to have a distributor pick it up here in the states.

JMB

[artificer]

It's been out for a while in the UK. Would love to have a distributor pick it up here in the states.

JMB

***

I'd gladly settle for a Region 1 dvd release.

ith:


edit: It looks like it's set for a July/August DVD release here in the US.

[Nathan]

Thanks for sharing. Based on the synopsis posted, I can relate to the themes expressed in this movie. Although the rural Cape Bretoners (especially in the Western Cape Breton, in the CB Highlands and along the Bras D'or lakes) are doing a good job of keeping the music and Gaidhlig traditions alive, I come from the coal mining town of Glace Bay. The local coal mines and steel plant are now closed, the fishery has taken a real hit and people are displaced. Unemployment is a serious problem and residents are being forced to look elsewhere (like Toronto, Alberta etc...) for work. Meanwhile, a lot of locals feel like they've been reduced to a tartan, scenery and fiddle stereotype designed to cater to tourists. It's fine for a Celtic musician like me who is connected to that and who is part of the kilt wearing minority, but what about the rock guitarist or the coal miner's son who wouldn't know a jig from a reel but could rebuild your car engine for you in their back yard. That's to say nothing of the family plagued by social ills like alcoholism or Oxycodone addiction.

I'm torn on the issue. While I feel proud to wear the kilt and have since I was a child, there are many MacVicars, Camerons, MacLeans and Fraziers etc...in Cape Breton to whom there is little connection to tartanry and the like, probably viewing it as an anachronistic affectation more appropriate as a uniform for pipers, soldiers and Highland dancers.

Even many of the Gaelic speakers who are steeped in the music and culture don't go for kilts, seeing them as an easily accessible substitute for the real and endangered Scottish Gaelic culture.

It seems like Scotland and Cape Breton have shared a parallel history and not just an historic connection. When I watch movies set in modern Scotland, I'm always struck by the similarities. In my town, there are many Scots who go their whole lives and will never wear a kilt. It's kind of a frivolous purchase for a working class person some of whom will wear a suit at their own wedding and their own funeral. These people are just as Scottish/Cape Breton as I am.

I'm looking forward to seeing this movie. I think it will hit home. Kudos to the film maker for showing the world the difference between the real and imaginary life in Scotland.

[chewse]

My wife and I saw the movie last year in London. It’s a fun show to see. You have to listen to the dialogue carefully because the actors talk with thick Scottish accents.

[Nathan]

Hoping there will be a screening in Toronto soon...

[gordontaos]

The movie is now on the circuit in the US. It opened to 3 wonderful reviews this weekend here in Santa Fe. I am certainly glad that we had read the reviews and knew in advance that the beginning and middle are pretty gritty. However, it certainly does have a feel good ending.
It was great to see Charles MacLean playing a character that was obviously modeled on him!

[Dale Seago]

I saw it recently. Aye, gritty start, but patience rewards the viewer!!

[John_Carrick]

It won an award at Cannes, but I don't think it even got a general release in the UK outside of Scotland.
People may think it is going to be a light comedy but it is quite the sort of gritty drama one expects of the director Ken Loach.
John

[ctbuchanan]

The film is available on several U.S. cable networks 'on demand'. We watched it over the weekend and enjoyed it. Interestingly it was sub-titled in English!