The Guard [DVD]

I found “The Guard” to be an excellent and very funny film indeed. All the more so because I had bought it on the strength of the cast and the director (having previously watched the excellent “Calvary”), and knew nothing of the plot or of the humour within in the film.It is clear, within the first few minutes what kind of character Brendan Gleeson is playing in “The Guard” and how the style of the might play out. The comedy is realistic and is very dry, it is larger-than-life characters rather than slapstick and the dramatic side of the film is also there to keep one in suspense as the film progresses. There are really well defined characters and a straightforward enough plot to follow, and all aspects of the film are delivered with greatness all round.It is a film that could easily be watched over again with just as much enjoyment and I am sure I will be watching it again soon…The DVD comes with some extra features that are well worth a look at.There are aspects of “The Guard” that (some) people might not like about the film – some of the crime that is portrayed, it’s approach to political correctness and not least some of the coarse language that is heard throughout, and it would be wise for them to avoid “The Guard” – (it has an 18 certificate to be fair).On the DVD you get:“The Guard” (1 hour 32 minutes)Scene SelectionSet Up:2.0 Stereo, 5.1 DolbyDirector’s Commentary with Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle.Audio DescriptionOptional English SubtitlesExtra Features:“Behind the Scenes” featurette. (18 minutes)Deleted and Extended Scenes (24 minutes)Outtakes (3 minutes)Short film “Second Death” (11 minutes)Trailer (1 minute)

This film is a real rare breed. True comedy, a great musical score, brilliant script and top class casting and acting. This will become a cult classic.Brendon Gleeson is Sergeant Gerry Boyle, a policeman (Garda) on the West Coast of Ireland in a small town near Galway on the Connemara coast. This is a spot far away from expected crime and the big city lights of the East coast capital of Dublin. But a cocaine gang is aiming to smuggle their half a billion dollar shipment through the West coast. FBI agent Wendell will need some help to crack the case and bring the bandits to justice. Unpredictable local Garda Gerry Boyle is a maverick, so what we get next is a tongue in cheek mix between Lethal Weapon and a Clint Eastwood Western.I love the East vs West coast, the crazy Irishman swimming in the cold Atlantic sea, the Romanian wife. The writers got the Irish element right down to the tee. Original. Action packed. Top class.

I must admit that after the first half hour or so of this film,I had it marked down for a two star review. I didn't like the unremitting bad language or Brendan Gleeson's West of Ireland based Guard (policeman) , Sgt. Gerry Boyle , with his casual approach to his job,his irreverence and his penchant for prostitutes. He was an unsavoury character at the start , but as the film progresses , against the backdrop of uncovering an international drug smuggling ring and his mother dying ,Boyle becomes an unlikely heroic figure battling for good against evil, finally finding purpose in what was hitherto a lonely, empty life. He emerges as a rugged individualist with a heart that is in the right place. Brendan Gleeson puts in a magnificent performance as the Guard while Don Cheadle is also good as a black FBI agent ,his unlikely sidekick. The finale of the film is explosive and exciting and is well worth waiting for.

Great film, actors and storyline and the scenery is stunning - well worth a watch (IMO).However, when we watched it (straight after purchase) it did pixelate 3 or 4 times.

This is basically a buddy movie - usual mis-matched lead characters who start off with nothing but contempt & end up with respect for each other. It's not going to be everyone's taste but if you don't mind bad language, violence & racist jokes, you will enjoy it. Think humour along the lines of "In Bruges" "Divorcing Jack" etc & you get the picture.Brendan Gleeson is becoming stereotyped in this sort of role, but he plays it perfectly. A renegade cop with a taste for prostitutes & drugs but can't stand corruption & loves his dying mum. Don Cheadle plays the American, straight laced, Ivy League, FBI agent on the trail of a gang of international drug smugglers. Mark strong is the drugs lord who is depressed with the corruption & stupidity in the police he has to deal with.There are so many cracking one-liners, you'll find yourself reaching for the rewind on the remote just to hear them again. Particularly funny scenes for me were the FBI briefing at the station, Mark Strong paying off the police at the swimming pool & Liam Cunningham trying to pay off Gleeson in a cafe.This is one the few films I've bought after watching it on Lovefilms, it's so funny I needed to watch it again straight away.Delicious

Great actor and love the movie. I love Brendan Gleeson in any movie.

Bad language otherwise very funny

A good story line with a hint of dark comedy in a good way , if you seen "In bruges "is is a must .