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The Guard
2011 96 min Ireland, United Kingdom, United States of America R 16+
★7.8
Action, Comedy, Thriller, Crime
Director: John Michael McDonagh
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
When a small-town Irish cop with a crass personality is partnered with a straight-laced FBI agent to bust an international drug-trafficking ring, they must settle their differences in order to take down a dangerous gang.
Budget:
$6M
US Gross:
$5.36M
Worldwide:
$19.56M
Starring
Brendan Gleeson
Actor
Don Cheadle
Actor
Mark Strong
Actor
Awards
Berlin International Film Festival 2011
— Best Debut – Honorable Mention
BAFTA 2012
— Best Original Screenplay
Golden Globe 2012
— Best Actor (Comedy or Musical)
Sundance Film Festival 2011
— Grand Jury Prize – Drama (World Cinema)
Key opinion
The Guard is a dark, character-driven comedy that leans on the strong chemistry between Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle to navigate a cynical, slow-burn crime narrative. While some viewers find its plot unremarkable and its tone uneven, most praise the sharp, non-PC dialogue and Gleeson's nuanced portrayal of an unconventional Irish policeman.
| Acting | Brendan Gleeson anchors the film with a magnetic, deeply layered performance that elevates the material beyond its basic crime-thriller premise. | |
| Humor | The sharp, biting dialogue and irreverent black humor provide a consistent source of entertainment that effectively balances the film's cynical tone. | |
| Production | The film succeeds in establishing a vivid, evocative atmosphere that captures the unique blend of the Irish provincial setting and a modern crime narrative. | |
| Screenplay | The plot is widely considered straightforward and secondary to character interactions, with some viewers finding it refreshing in its simplicity and others finding it underdeveloped. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the film's pacing are split; some appreciate the leisurely, contemplative approach, while others find the lack of high-octane action boring or aimless. |