Critics and audiences alike let down their guard, applauding this comedic fish-out-of-water tale of murder, blackmail, drug trafficking and rural police corruption.
Two policemen must join forces to take on an international drug-smuggling gang—one, an unorthodox Irish policeman and the other, a strait-laced FBI agent. Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleason) is an eccentric small-town cop with a confrontational and crass personality and a subversive sense of humor.
A longtime policeman in County Galway, Boyle is a maverick with his own moral code. He has seen enough of the world to know there isn't much to it and has had plenty of time to think about it. When a fellow police officer disappears and Boyle's small town becomes key to a large drug trafficking investigation, he is forced to at least feign interest when dealing with the humorless FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) assigned to the case.
Action, laughter and chemistry abound. Surrender to it all.
- Commentary
- Extended Scenes
- Outtakes
- Featurette
- Deleted Scenes
Movie Reviews from Rotten Tomatoes
TOMATOMETER
Reviews Counted: 121
TOP CRITICS'S REVIEWS
Fresh: The Guard offers an offbeat take on a genre without skimping on the violence or gunplay.
-Jim Schembri, The Age (Australia), October 18, 2011Fresh: Brendan Gleeson is a blooming marvel.
-Peter Howell, Toronto Star, August 26, 2011Fresh: Although The Guard is primarily a language romp, it's also a terrific showcase for veteran pug-faced character actor Brendan Gleeson.
-Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail, August 26, 2011Fresh: Driven by pitch-perfect performances and a darkly humoured script, this ends up an hysterically funny and immensely enjoyable romp.
-Emmet O'Cuana, FILMINK (Australia), August 25, 2011
The Guard 
April 23, 2012
After about 10 minutes of this movie I had had enough. I regret ever purchasing it. The language was over the top and completely uncalled for. I hated it!
Reviewer: Linda W Review refers to DVD version
February 16, 2012
It was Ok not really what I was expecting.
Reviewer: The G Review refers to DVD version
February 06, 2012
I found this movie to be obnoxious and I watched it for about 20 minutes then turned if off. I should have just requested my money back or exchange. I agree with another person's rating...please dont waste your money.
Reviewer: Trinia Review refers to DVD version
The Guard
February 03, 2012
I really enjoyed the movie as did the other adults that at my home. I also have visited Ireland several times and could relate to the different places they were through out the movie. I don't always enjoy dark humour, but I thought this was very well done. Slainte to this film!!!
Reviewer: Irishone Review refers to DVD version
a fine Irish tale of offbeat policework and laughter.
February 01, 2012
Having visited Ireland, I enjoyed this film from start to finish. Irreverent, politically incorrect humor fills in the gaps, while the cast carried the story of a major drug bust being carried out in a small town setting. Gleeson makes brilliant commentary about life in rural Ireland, with a savvy insight that enrages Cheadle's every instinct. Cheadle epitomizes the elitist FBI agent, frustrated by the prejudice of the local constable, which he dismisses as ineptness. My favorite since "Waking Ned Devine", with the same dark humor and wit, listen closely.
Reviewer: b0bc4t Review refers to DVD version
Brendan Gleeson
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