Watch The Guarantee

The Guarantee is a 2014 Irish drama film directed by Ian Power and written by Colin Murphy. The movie is based on the true story of the events leading up to the Irish banking crisis in 2008. The film begins in the late 1990s, when small banks were being taken over by larger banks in Ireland. The story focuses on four individuals who were involved in the Irish banking crisis: David Drumm (played by Andrew Scott), the CEO of Anglo Irish Bank; Sean Fitzpatrick (played by Gary Lydon), the Chairman of Anglo Irish Bank; Brian Cowen (played by Kiernan Culkin), the Minister for Finance; and Brian Lenihan (played by Morgan C. Jones), the Minister for Finance.

The story follows the four men as they make their way through the ranks of Anglo Irish Bank, starting in the late 1990s and leading up to the 2008 banking crisis. The men are shown as ambitious, self-interested, and reckless in their quest for power and wealth. They make deals that are questionable and often illegal, and their actions lead to the downfall of the entire banking system in Ireland.

As the movie progresses, we see the characters begin to feel the pressure of their own actions. They struggle with the consequences of their decisions, particularly as they relate to ordinary people who have lost everything due to the banking crisis. The tense drama builds to a climax as the four men attempt to save their own reputations, while simultaneously fighting to keep the banking system from completely collapsing.

The film is a powerful portrayal of the greed and corruption that led to the downfall of the Irish financial system. It shows how the actions of a few can have devastating consequences for the many. The Guarantee is also an insightful examination of power and privilege, and how they can blind individuals to the suffering of others.

The performances in this film are strong across the board. Andrew Scott is particularly impressive in his portrayal of David Drumm, capturing the character's complex mix of confidence and anxiety. Gary Lydon is also excellent in his role as Sean Fitzpatrick, and Morgan C. Jones and Kiernan Culkin offer strong supporting performances as the two Ministers of Finance.

The film's use of real news footage from the time adds to the overall impact of the story. The audience is able to see the real-life consequences of the banking crisis, in which ordinary people lost their homes, their jobs, and their life savings.

Overall, The Guarantee is a gripping and thought-provoking film that offers a compelling exploration of one of the most significant events in recent Irish history. The director and cast manage to bring a sense of urgency and intensity to the story, while still allowing for moments of reflection and emotional resonance. The film reminds us that the decisions of a few can have consequences that impact the lives of many, and that the pursuit of power and wealth can have devastating consequences.