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Amazon.co.uk Reviews
The Guardian offers satisfying entertainment with a no-nonsense combination of Hollywood formula and good old-fashioned star power. While honoring the men and women who serve as rescue swimmers for the U.S. Coast Guard, this predictable yet appealing drama is a well-crafted showcase for Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, who bring welcome depth and dimension to their formulaic roles. It's basically Top Gun for the Coast Guard, with Costner playing a legendary rescuer haunted by recent tragedy and the impending break-up of his marriage, and Kutcher as the hot-shot recruit whose bravado is tested when Costner takes over a grueling 18-week basic training course, where a 50% attrition rate ensures that only the best will make the grade. There's nothing particularly inventive about Ron L. Brinkerhoff's screenplay, but it's intelligently written and well-directed (by The Fugitive helmer Andrew Davis) as it shows how seasoned veteran and troubled but talented trainee build mutual respect while sorting through the trauma of accidents that left each of them as sole survivors, tormented by self-doubt and guilt.
Bolstered by a strong supporting cast including Neal McDonough, John Heard, Sela Ward and Clancy Brown, The Guardian is a bit on the long side (137 minutes), but it never feels slow, and a romantic subplot (with Kutcher wooing a schoolteacher played by Melissa Sagemiller) blends nicely with thrilling ocean-rescue sequences incorporating a seamless blend of CGI and footage shot in a 750,000-gallon water tank. Music fans will welcome the scene-stealing appearance of veteran singer Bonnie Bramlett as the owner of a jazz/blues club near the training base, where The Guardian serves up yet another staple of its genre: the barroom brawl. Although Hurricane Katrina prevented The Guardian from being filmed in New Orleans in 2005, real-life footage during the closing credits makes it clear that the Coast Guard was essential in Katrina's aftermath, and this rousing drama pays overdue tribute to those who risk there lives (to quote the Coast Guard's motto) "so that others may live." --Jeff Shannon
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I'm not so much of a Kevin Costner fan but the level of entertainment that this film had giving me was more than enough. 'The Guardian,' although littered with clichés, is a very moving. The premise is a veteran United States Coast Guard rescue diver named Ben Randall (Kevin Costner) is sent to oversee the training of prospective divers at an elite school known as "A" School. Randall, who is still recovering from losing his crew in a failed rescue mission, makes sure the trainees understand the intensity of the life they are ready to embark upon. His unconventional methods are criticized by fellow coast guard personnel, but his experience is ultimately respected. Randall focuses on one trainee in particular, named Jake Fischer (Kutcher). Fischer's cockiness does not create a great first impression on Randall, but throughout the film their relationship undergoes a great change.
What really impressed me in this film was its representation of the USCG. There are very few films that highlight the actions of these brave men and women, and if nothing else, 'The Guardian' is an awe-inspiring tribute to the most overlooked branch of the United States armed forces. At times watching the swimmers endure in-the-water torture is very uncomfortable but effective. There are plenty of adrenaline-charged scenes, most of which involve either Coast Guard rescue swimmer training or actual missions. This story gripped my heart. It gave me a better understanding of the Coast Guard in a way that I would never experience except by first hand.
I also found the characters just as appealing as the subject matter. Not only does Costner portray reluctant Coast Guard instructor Ben Randall with humor and sincerity, but his "average Joe, aw shucks" demeanor is reminiscent of Crash Davis in Bull Durham. Ashton Kutcher does a fine job as the full-of-himself Jake Fischer, a fast swimmer with a faster mouth, which often gets him into trouble. He was perfect as the 'son' model and didn't upstage or take anything away from the lead role with his performance, The cast is rounded out by veterans John Heard and Kurgan himself Clancy Brown as various Coast Guard personnel.
'The Guardian' is a powerful piece of cinematic history that will forever be remembered for its tribute to the heroism of the men and women of the USCG, as well as the dangers they must endure on a daily basis. Yes, it is very predictable and yes we have seen most of it before, but this film stands on its own in a climate of rehashed cheap entertainment that Hollywood has been rabidly feeding audiences. I can only hope that audiences receive 'The Guardian' as well as I have.
What really impressed me in this film was its representation of the USCG. There are very few films that highlight the actions of these brave men and women, and if nothing else, 'The Guardian' is an awe-inspiring tribute to the most overlooked branch of the United States armed forces. At times watching the swimmers endure in-the-water torture is very uncomfortable but effective. There are plenty of adrenaline-charged scenes, most of which involve either Coast Guard rescue swimmer training or actual missions. This story gripped my heart. It gave me a better understanding of the Coast Guard in a way that I would never experience except by first hand.
I also found the characters just as appealing as the subject matter. Not only does Costner portray reluctant Coast Guard instructor Ben Randall with humor and sincerity, but his "average Joe, aw shucks" demeanor is reminiscent of Crash Davis in Bull Durham. Ashton Kutcher does a fine job as the full-of-himself Jake Fischer, a fast swimmer with a faster mouth, which often gets him into trouble. He was perfect as the 'son' model and didn't upstage or take anything away from the lead role with his performance, The cast is rounded out by veterans John Heard and Kurgan himself Clancy Brown as various Coast Guard personnel.
'The Guardian' is a powerful piece of cinematic history that will forever be remembered for its tribute to the heroism of the men and women of the USCG, as well as the dangers they must endure on a daily basis. Yes, it is very predictable and yes we have seen most of it before, but this film stands on its own in a climate of rehashed cheap entertainment that Hollywood has been rabidly feeding audiences. I can only hope that audiences receive 'The Guardian' as well as I have.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I agree with a previous reviewer, there is a little of An Officer And A Gentleman about this movie. However, in my opinion it knocks the socks off it. The action scenes are brilliantly shot and totally convincing. One of the few movies that kept my husband in the room and watching for the entire duration. It was excellent to see The Coastguard highlighted like this as they are definately the forgotton service. One up for "The Puddle Jumpers". It is a moving story and I cried and cried at the end, but I think after you watch the alternative endings section in the supplementary material, you'll agree it was the right one and the only possible ending. It's such a good film I can't understand why more wasn't made of it when it was on the big screen? Watch it, you won't regret it.
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I went to the cinema not having high expectations of this film but boy was I wrong. Ashton Kutcher's dramatic performance is incredible. He has come a long way since Cheaper By The Dozen. The chemistry between Kuther and Kostner is great as well especially when Kostner is giving Kutcher a talking to about his personal file. I would recommend anyone to buy this film as it will pleasently surprise you.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
cathy and geri
i love this film it had me totally gripped i was not expecting the end i cried so much well sad but really goodThe Guardian [DVD]
Published 3 months ago by cathy
Flawed but highly entertaining
I really enjoyed this film and was pretty gripped throughout it's running time. Okay, it's full of cliches and is very flag waving but it shows the real work and bravery of the men... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Poirot
Rescue Swimmers
I found this film very intresting . It gave a real insight into the "a" school where these swimmers train. Overall a really enjoyable film and also a very good film!
Published 10 months ago by S
Guardian
DVD arrived well packaged and on time, DVD also in great condition. Will deffinatly consider using this service again. Thank you.
Published 11 months ago by Lizziep08
Stunning
Potentially one of the best films I have seen. The opening starts with action, and grabs the viewers attention, and the film continues to deliver. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Josh
Good action adventure
This was a good adventure film. It had a lot of action and was well acted. I rushed out and contributed to our local RNLI as a direct result of seeing it.
Published 18 months ago by D. Hendrickson
I'd give it more stars if I could!
I love this film! I've watched it over and over again and never get bored. I also love the bonus features, with the real life US coastguards. Fantastic!
Published 19 months ago by J. C. Roberts
Utter tosh
Rarely do I dislike a film. This movie was so bad I almost can't be bothered to write about it, but if it will save anyone else from wasting 2 hours and 19 minutes of their life on... Read more
Published on 29 Jan 2010 by saintsontour
Dire.
What a waste of a couple of hours this turned out to be! Neither my wife nor I could find anything positive to say about this film. Read more
Published on 28 Jan 2010 by Silver Fox
The Guardian
Being a Kevin Costner fan, this was another classic film, good action drama, humour and heart felt scenes, an easy to follow story with an unpredictable ending. Read more
Published on 19 Jan 2010 by Mrs. P. Sleafer-nunes
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