The Guard Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A racist Irish cop teams up with a black FBI agent to stop some drug dealers, but mostly they just argue about cultural differences while occasionally solving crimes.

🍿 The Guard: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Gerry Boyle and the Murder Investigation

Sergeant Gerry Boyle, a small-town Irish police officer known for his unorthodox methods and confrontational personality, investigates a murder in his jurisdiction. Boyle’s unconventional approach to law enforcement is quickly established as he navigates the initial stages of the case with his trademark irreverence. His partner, Aidan McBride, is new to the job and struggles to keep up with Boyle’s eccentricities.

FBI Agent Wendell Everett’s Arrival

FBI Agent Wendell Everett arrives in Ireland to investigate an international drug-smuggling ring. Everett’s straight-laced, by-the-book approach clashes sharply with Boyle’s laid-back and often inappropriate behavior. Despite their differences, they are forced to work together when the murder investigation becomes linked to the drug trafficking operation. The cultural and professional clash between Boyle and Everett becomes a source of both tension and humor.

Partnership and Investigation

Boyle and Everett reluctantly team up to track down the drug traffickers, led by the ruthless Francis Sheehy-Skeffington. Their investigation takes them through the Irish countryside, encountering various colorful characters and obstacles along the way. Boyle’s local knowledge and connections prove invaluable, while Everett’s expertise and resources help to uncover the larger scope of the operation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson): A confrontational and unorthodox Irish police sergeant who investigates an international drug-smuggling ring with the help of an FBI agent.
• FBI Agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle): An uptight FBI agent who partners with Sergeant Boyle to investigate the drug-smuggling operation, often clashing with Boyle’s unconventional methods.
• Clive Cornell (Mark Strong): One of the philosophical and ruthless drug smugglers involved in the international cocaine ring.
• Francis Sheehy-Skeffington (Liam Cunningham): The leader of the international drug-smuggling ring being investigated by Boyle and Everett.
• Eileen Boyle (Fionnula Flanagan): Gerry Boyle’s dying mother, who he cares for while navigating his complicated career and personal life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sergeant Gerry Boyle: “I’m Irish. Racism is part of my culture.” – Boyle says this to Everett while discussing the drug trade, showcasing his often inappropriate and confrontational sense of humor.
• FBI Agent Wendell Everett: “Langley is CIA, I’m FBI.” – Everett corrects Boyle’s assumption about his agency, highlighting the cultural differences and Boyle’s lack of knowledge about American affairs.
• Sergeant Gerry Boyle: “You lost me at ‘we’.” – Boyle says this to Everett, showing his unwillingness to collaborate and his independent nature.
• Sergeant Gerry Boyle: “There’s no point being worried about things you can’t change.” – Said to the FBI agent, highlighting his carefree and relaxed attitude.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,360,274
• Worldwide Gross: $19,561,904

💥 The Guard Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘The Guard’! Brendan Gleeson is phenomenal, and the humor just hits perfectly. The scene where he’s interrogating Don Cheadle about being black and the scene where he casually drops acid are absolute classics. It’s not just funny, though; there’s a real heart to the story, especially with his relationship with his mother. I found myself unexpectedly moved. Definitely one of my favorite movies!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate Irish humor”
  • “Those who enjoy crime thrillers with unique characters”
  • “Fans of Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Violence”

Professional Reviews

• The Irish Times: “Gleeson is magnificent, his portrayal of Boyle is both hilarious and surprisingly poignant. Cheadle provides an excellent foil, and the script is razor-sharp.
• Empire Magazine: “A dark comedy that delivers on laughs thanks to Gleeson’s commanding performance. The plot is secondary to the character interactions, but the wit keeps it engaging.
• Variety: “John Michael McDonagh’s debut is a clever, character-driven crime comedy, buoyed by the excellent performances of Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle. While tonally uneven, it’s consistently entertaining.

Audience Reactions

Brendan Gleeson’s performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and character acting.: Viewers consistently praise Gleeson’s portrayal of Sergeant Boyle as the film’s highlight.

The witty and often politically incorrect dialogue provides constant entertainment.: Audiences enjoy the film’s sharp wit and subversive humor.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Guard’ is a well-received dark comedy praised for Brendan Gleeson’s performance, witty dialogue, and unique Irish charm. Some find the plot secondary, but most agree that the character interactions and humor make it a worthwhile watch.

Awards

1. Irish Film & Television Award (Best Film)- 2012
2. Irish Film & Television Award (Best Actor)- 2012
3. Irish Film & Television Award (Best Script)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Michael McDonagh wrote the script in just 13 days.”
• “The film’s humor relies heavily on the contrast between the laid-back Irish culture and the more uptight American approach, creating many comedic moments.”
• “Brendan Gleeson and John Michael McDonagh previously collaborated on the short film Six Shooter, which won an Oscar.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Guard?

The Guard is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services and cable providers. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) can also be found through online retailers like Amazon and at major retail stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Guard, you might like these similar films:

• In Bruges (2008): Also starring Brendan Gleeson and directed by the brother of The Guard’s director, it features dark humor and strong character dynamics in a European setting.
• Hot Fuzz (2007): Similar buddy-cop dynamic with a focus on small-town crime and dark comedy.
• Seven Psychopaths (2012): Another dark crime comedy with quirky characters and unexpected violence.
• Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998): Fast-paced British crime comedy with memorable characters and clever dialogue.

🛒 The Guard Related Products

• In Bruges (Blu-ray): From the director’s brother, Martin McDonagh, starring Brendan Gleeson in another darkly comedic crime story.
• Irish Crime Fiction: A Collection of Short Stories: A collection of gripping short stories set in Ireland.
• Ireland Flag: A large, high-quality flag of Ireland.
• Funko POP! Movie: In Bruges – Ken: A Funko POP figure based on the In Bruges film.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Guard features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rock Star” – performed by N.E.R.D.
• “Traditional Irish Music” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Guard – “I thought only black lads are drug dealers?”

Ever wondered what it would be like to meet a cop who’s as quick-witted as he is cynical? Check out this clip from ‘The Guard’ and find out!

✨ Rate