Angels (1976)

Leon, the "world's most controversial artist," is in trouble. God, who works in mysterious ways through his angels, has decided that it's Leon's time to pass on. Two angels try to help Tex, a crazed maniac, kill Leon, his assistant Ray, and his girlfriend Lulu. Not only does God work in mysterious ways, but he also has an odd sense of humor.

Film Overview
"Angels!" launched in 1976, is a magnetic evaluation of the strains in between counterculture and mainstream society throughout the 1960s and 70s, directed by Jean-Claude Lord. The story focuses around unconventional ringleader, Terry, and his gang of defiant cyclists who encounter mainstream society.

Plot Summary
The movie opens painting the contrast between Terry's biker gang and the more standard people. Terry, leader of the Angels, is a charismatic individual with an anti-establishment perspective and delivers a powerful efficiency that embodies the spirit of the counterculture. He lives life on his own terms, disregarding societal standards and refusing to submit to social conformities.

The group's existence on the fringes of society is significantly highlighted when Terry gets associated with an accident with an upscale driver called Alain, prompting a rough run-in. Alain is a sign of the mainstream and is juxtaposed with Terry's rebellious persona. This event marks the beginning of an increasingly hostile conflict between the two men.

Dispute and Resolution
The outrage accelerates when Terry falls for Alain's girlfriend, Lise. This presses the dispute to new heights as Terry's lawless lifestyle clashes strongly with Alain's refined society. Provoked by this turn of occasions, Alain's anger culminates in schemes and plots to try and 'reduce' Terry and his band of bikers.

However, unanticipated events occur that lead Alain to question his preconceived notions about Terry and his associates. The climax shows up in a shocking twist that requires both Alain and Terry to come to grips with their bias and mindsets, providing an insightful commentary on their divergent lifestyles.

Styles
"Angels!" dives deep into the styles of loss, disillusionment, and the quest for personal freedom in a world that constantly tries to suppress nonconformity. The film dissects the misunderstandings and biases crediting to the counterculture as unsafe and degenerate.

Through his main character Terry, Lord successfully portrays the disobedience of a generation versus society's oppressive constraints. The film declines to demonize either side, dominating the concept that various way of lives might produce misconception and bias, however at the end of the day, everybody is human with their strengths and flaws.

Conclusion
"Angels!" paints a fascinating picture of countercultural rebellion against social standards in the 1960s and 70s. Through the continuous fights in between Terry, his Angels, and the mainstream society represented by Alain, the movie provides an engaging exploration of the sustaining clash between various lifestyles.

The film is rather bold and non-judgmental for its time, making the audience question their prejudgments about countercultural movements. The intriguing story and gritty portrayal of rebellious youth make "Angels!" a substantial movie of its time.

Top Cast

  • Drew Abrams
    Leon DeWilde
  • Vincent Schiavelli (small)
    Vincent Schiavelli
    Tex
  • Keith Berger
    Ray
  • Marquita Callwood
    Lulu
  • David Bryant
    God
  • Gus Thomas
    Leonard
  • Dan McCarthy
    Arthur