Watch The Guard

The Guard, a 2011 black comedy film directed by John Michael McDonagh, centers around Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson), a hard-drinking, chain-smoking officer who patrols the rural areas of County Galway in Ireland. Boyle is a somewhat unorthodox police officer with a quirky sense of humor, and although his methods may not be conventional, he possesses a surprisingly strong moral compass.

When a crew of international drug smugglers starts operating in the area, FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) comes to Ireland to help with the investigation. Everett is an uptight and by-the-book agent from America who is initially frustrated by Boyle's easy-going attitude towards the investigation. However, as they begin to work together, Everett slowly starts to gain respect for Boyle and his unconventional methods.

As the investigation progresses, Boyle and Everett find themselves in dangerous situations, challenging their mutual trust and requiring an increasing level of cooperation. The plot unfolds with a deft mixture of dry humor, suspense, and action, as Boyle and Everett work to bring the criminals to justice.

Throughout the movie, there is a recurring theme of Irish identity and pride, as Boyle repeatedly confronts people who degrade and stereotype the Irish. This becomes especially poignant when Boyle finds himself targeted by the very criminals he is trying to apprehend.

The film has a stellar cast, including Gleeson and Cheadle in lead roles. Gleeson's portrayal of Sergeant Boyle provides the film with its distinct flavor, his dry wit and deadpan humor perfectly complementing the film's overall tone. Cheadle is equally impressive, portraying Everett's frustrations and gradual appreciation of Boyle with nuance and charm. Mark Strong also delivers a strong performance as one of the drug smugglers, adding to the film's tension.

The Guard is also notable for its unique visual style, employing vivid shots of the Irish countryside to great effect. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of Irish folk music and more contemporary tracks, perfectly complements the tone of the film.

Overall, The Guard is an engaging and witty film that offers a fresh take on the classic cop movie genre. It showcases the talents of its cast, the beauty of the Irish landscape, and provides a compelling story with a mix of suspense, humor, and action. The film has quickly become a cult classic, receiving critical acclaim and numerous awards. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates clever storytelling, compelling characters, and a good laugh.

The Guard is a 2011 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 78.