The Guard

A small town Irish policeman gets mixed up in an FBI Investigation and has to work side by side with one of its best agents...

A confrontational Irish policeman, who runs his small police force like he would his own kingdom, is forced to work with one of the best agents from the FBI. After a drug related murder in a small seaside town, the FBI drug agency sends one of their finest men to try and crack a smuggling ring which is trying to sneak a $500 million cache under the noses of the Irish police.

The Agent, "Wendell Everitt" has to come to terms with the locals not co-operating, or even speaking his language; the police, either not able or willing to help him and also a bunch of homicidal  maniacs trying to send him back to the US in a coffin.

The international criminals have no problem killing anybody who gets in their way. It's left up to "Sergeant Gerry Boyle" to put aside the fact that his elderly mother is on her deathbed, and half of the IRA wants to kill him; to make sure that the biggest drug deal in Irish history, doesn't happen.

A laugh out loud comedy that makes you try to stifle the giggles at things you really should not find funny, but also a serious story, with some very mature themes, but a true pleasure to watch. There are none of the bells and whistles or special effects that most films these days seem to rely on; just good old fashioned script writing and some very decent acting.

Irish actor Brenden Gleeson plays the lead role of "Sergeant Gerry Boyle", this superb actor giving one of his finest showings in a long time, as a pig headed, slightly racist and extremely opinionated small town policeman. Gleeson calls it as he sees it and has his own special way of policing, some might find it illegal, but it seems to work for him. He is sincere and genuine, but at the same time has some truly classic, comical lines that string scenes together, superbly.

Kansas City born Don Cheadle gives a fantastic performance as "FBI Agent Wendell Everett", a highly born and highly intelligent man who sees this case as a big stepping stone in his career. He works perfectly in conjunction with Gleeson and does a phenomenal job of keeping the film racing along.

Liam Cunningham does an awesome job in the role of "Francis Sheehy-Skelfington", a dastardly criminal, who is willing to go to ruthless ends to ensure that his enormous deal goes properly. Mark Strong gives yet another excellent performance as the ringleader "Clive Cornell", trying to make sense of all the things going wrong. Slovenian born Katarina Cas gives a decent performance as "Gabriela McBride" in her first big screen role. Keep an eye out for this talented beauty in the future.


The film is incredibly funny, yet moving and emotive at the same time, with an action packed and mystical ending. It may offend, in fact there is a good chance that it will, but the film works well, with good pace and enough blazing battles to keep most fans happy. I really enjoyed this film and it is well worth the time you spend watching it.

7/10