The Guard (2011)
A wickedly funny Irish crime comedy in which a foul-mouthed Connemara sergeant and a by-the-book FBI agent make an unlikely team against international drug smugglers.
The Guard - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Guard
- Release Year: 2011
- Directed by: John Michael McDonagh
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Thriller, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Irish, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 7, 2011 (Ireland - 15A), July 29, 2011 (United States - R), August 19, 2011 (United Kingdom - 15), September 22, 2011 (Germany - 16), November 2, 2011 (France), August 25, 2011 (Australia - MA15+), October 21, 2011 (Italy), July 20, 2012 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: L'Irlandais (FR), O Guarda (BR), Вбити ірландця (UA), 國民警衛隊 (TW), 坏守卫 (CN), El Guardia (SV), ザ・ガード～西部の相棒～ (JP), Pomáhať a chrániť (SK)
- Production Companies: Prescience, UK Film Council, Reprisal Films, Aegis Film Fund, Element Pictures, Crescendo Productions, EDS Pictures, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland
- Production Countries: Ireland, United Kingdom, United States of America
The Guard - Plot
When a small-town Irish cop with a crass personality is partnered with a straight-laced FBI agent to bust an international drug-trafficking ring, they must settle their differences in order to take down a dangerous gang.
The Guard - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the film's sharp wit and wild Connemara atmosphere:
The FBI are about to discover that things work a little differently around here.
Where to Watch The Guard
Looking for where to watch The Guard?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Guard - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Michael McDonagh
Main Cast
- Brendan Gleeson
- Don Cheadle
- Liam Cunningham
- Mark Strong
- Katarina Čas
- David Wilmot
- Rory Keenan
- Laurence Kinlan
- Dominique McElligott
- Sarah Greene
Writers
- John Michael McDonagh
Producers
- Flora Fernández-Marengo
- Chris Clark
- Andrew Lowe
- Ed Guiney
The Guard - FAQs
What is The Guard about?
The Guard follows Sergeant Gerry Boyle, an unconventional and deliberately provocative Irish cop in rural Connemara, who reluctantly teams up with FBI agent Wendell Everett to investigate an international cocaine-smuggling operation. The film blends sharp black comedy with crime thriller elements, earning widespread critical praise for its wit and performances.
Where can you stream or watch The Guard?
The Guard is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is also available with ads on The Roku Channel. Availability may vary by region; check JustWatch for the most current options in your area.
Is Brendan Gleeson's performance in The Guard award-winning?
Yes. Brendan Gleeson won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Sergeant Gerry Boyle, a remarkable achievement for an Irish independent film. He also received a Golden Globe nomination for the same role, cementing the performance as one of his career highlights.
Who are the main actors in The Guard?
The Guard stars Brendan Gleeson as the irreverent Sergeant Gerry Boyle and Don Cheadle as FBI agent Wendell Everett. The supporting cast includes Liam Cunningham, Mark Strong, Katarina Čas, David Wilmot, Rory Keenan, Dominique McElligott, Sarah Greene, and Fionnula Flanagan as Boyle's ailing mother.
What is the age rating for The Guard?
The Guard is rated R in the United States, reflecting strong language, drug content, sexual references, and some violence. In Ireland it carries a 15A certificate, in the UK a 15 rating, and in Australia an MA15+ classification. It is intended for mature audiences.
How long is The Guard?
The Guard has a runtime of 96 minutes, making it a lean, efficiently paced crime comedy that wastes little time establishing its darkly humorous tone. The brisk running time keeps the buddy-cop dynamic and sharp dialogue front and centre throughout.
Who directed and wrote The Guard?
The Guard was written and directed by John Michael McDonagh, the Irish filmmaker and playwright. It was his feature directorial debut, and the film drew comparisons to the work of his brother Martin McDonagh. John Michael McDonagh later directed Calvary (2014), also starring Brendan Gleeson.
What are similar films to The Guard?
If you enjoyed The Guard, you may also like Trading Places (1983), Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024), National Security (2003), and Heist (2001) for their blend of comedy and crime. For more Irish-flavoured storytelling, The Boys & Girl from County Clare (2003) and Black Irish (2007) offer comparable regional character.
More About The Guard
Explore further details about The Guard on these authoritative external resources: