
The Guard
2011, Mystery and thriller/Comedy, 1h 35m
137 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
A violent, crackerjack comedy with a strong Irish flavor and an eminently likable Brendan Gleeson in the main role. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Sergeant Gerry Boyle
FBI agent Wendell Everett
Francis Sheehy
Liam O'Leary
Garda Aidan McBride
Clive Cornell
News & Interviews for The Guard
Critic Reviews for The Guard
All Critics (137) | Top Critics (47) | Fresh (129) | Rotten (8)
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The Guard offers an offbeat take on a genre without skimping on the violence or gunplay.
October 18, 2011 | Rating: 3.5/5 -
Although The Guard is primarily a language romp, it's also a terrific showcase for veteran pug-faced character actor Brendan Gleeson.
August 26, 2011 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Brendan Gleeson is a blooming marvel.
August 26, 2011 | Rating: 3/4 -
The film is foul-mouthed and not without its flourishes of violence but it's irresistibly likeable (and unpredictable).
August 25, 2011 | Rating: 8/10 | Full Review… -
Boyle is probably the first screen hero in a long time whose heroism comes out of boredom and ennui. He gives nihilism a good name.
August 25, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Augmenting a smart, witty screenplay is magnificent Scope camerawork by Larry Smith, using beautiful locations around the west coast of Ireland.
August 25, 2011 | Rating: 4/5
Audience Reviews for The Guard
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Feb 07, 2016It's hard to hate this film but it's also hard to really like, The crude irish tone and dark humour works very well but the story was rushed in places, But it's clever and the ending fitted the film well.Jamie C Super Reviewer
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May 17, 2014[img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]Directors C Super Reviewer
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Jan 20, 2014Here we have a very underrated comedy/crime dark comedy with hints of unapologetic racism and even some anti-Americana flavor. The 'underrated' current state of <i>The Guard</i> can be probably attributed to its misleading publicity with the same intensity that <i>The American</i> (2010) received, but there is something you must keep in mind: it was directed by John Michael McDonagh, brother of Martin McDonagh, who brought us <i>In Bruges</i> (2008). Selling itself as an R-rated comedy, but not in the way that you think, this stylish and moderate brief ride - which should and could have been longer - borrows the cop buddy formula of the 80s (that is, teaming two confrontational leading roles as cops in order to work for a common purpose), but addresses it with clever and dark humor that only European cinema can apply so effectively. It also throws sentimentalisms and a conventional development of events off shore, resulting in a very refreshing take on the genre that will only please selected audiences, which are quite difficult to tackle. To sum up, this comedy will provide you with a simple story told in an unexpected way, and it is certainly not what its covers have suggested just to increase movie theater attendance. 68/100Edgar C Super Reviewer
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Nov 08, 2013Fun while it lasts. Take that with some grains of salt.familiar s Super Reviewer
The Guard Quotes
FBI agent Wendell Everett: | You went to Disney World by yourself? |
Sergeant Gerry Boyle: | Yeah, great gas it was! Had me picture taken with Goofy and everything. He's my favourite, Goofy! |
FBI agent Wendell Everett: | You know I can't tell if you're really motherfuckin' dumb or really motherfuckin' smart. |
Francis Sheehy: | Let's get the fook outta here Clive! |
Clive Cornell: | Kidding me? This is better than fucking Christmas!! |
Clive Cornell: | Kidding me? This is better than fucking Christmas! |
Sergeant Gerry Boyle: | now I know what you w'er tinkin'... yer tinkin' those men are armed and dangerous... an' you, bein' an FBI Agent are more used to shooting unarmed women n' children- |
Sergeant Gerry Boyle: | Now I know what you w'er tinkin'... yer tinkin' those men are armed and dangerous... an' you, bein' an FBI Agent are more used to shooting unarmed women n' children. |
FBI agent Wendell Everett: | -The Fuck-?! |
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