The Guardians (2012)
A gripping German action thriller in which a hardened ex-soldier must shield a teenage orphan from a ruthless criminal empire.
The Guardians - Movie Information
- Original Title: Schutzengel
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Til Schweiger
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Action, Thriller, Crime
- Runtime: 2h 13m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 18, 2012 (Germany - 16), October 10, 2012 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Guardian Angel (UK), Opiekun (PL), Янгол-охоронець (UA)
- Production Companies: Barefoot Films, Warner Bros. Film Productions Germany
- Production Countries: Germany
The Guardians - Plot
15-year-old Nina witnesses a terrible crime that puts her life in danger. Being an orphan, she has nobody she can trust. When corrupt businessman Thomas Backer sends five killers after Nina, witness protection officer, Max, a former special-forces soldier, is responsible for her safety. They soon overcome their initial distance to find common ground. While on the run from the ruthless Backer, Rudi, one of Max's former comrades, comes to their rescue – and continues to help the two out of some precarious situations. Even Max's ex-girlfriend Sara is not just there to help him as a federal prosecutor. Nevertheless, Nina and Max face ever-increasing danger, and soon the teenager is not the only one in need of a guardian angel – Max could use one too.
Where to Watch The Guardians
Looking for where to watch The Guardians?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Guardians - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Til Schweiger
Main Cast
- Til Schweiger
- Luna Schweiger
- Moritz Bleibtreu
- Karoline Schuch
- Hannah Herzsprung
- Rainer Bock
- Nina Eichinger
- Oliver Korittke
- Heiner Lauterbach
- Tim Wilde
Writers
- Til Schweiger
- Stephen Butchard
- Paul Maurice
Producers
- Tom Zickler
- Paul Maurice
- Til Schweiger
The Guardians - FAQs
What is The Guardians about?
The Guardians follows Nina, a 15-year-old orphan who witnesses a brutal crime and becomes a target. Assigned to protect her is Max, a tough ex-special-forces witness protection officer. Together they go on the run from corrupt businessman Thomas Backer and his hired killers, forging an unlikely bond along the way.
Who directed The Guardians?
The Guardians was directed by Til Schweiger, the German actor and filmmaker best known internationally for his role in Inglourious Basterds. Schweiger also stars in the film alongside his real-life daughter Luna Schweiger, who plays the teenage protagonist Nina.
Are Til and Luna Schweiger related in real life?
Yes, they are! Til Schweiger and Luna Schweiger are father and daughter in real life. In The Guardians, they play Max and Nina — a protective officer and the young girl in his care. Their genuine chemistry gives the film a warm, authentic emotional core that stands out in the action-thriller genre.
Who are the main actors in The Guardians?
The film stars Til Schweiger as Max Fischer, Luna Schweiger as Nina, Moritz Bleibtreu as Rudi, Karoline Schuch as Sara Müller, Hannah Herzsprung as Helena, and Heiner Lauterbach as the villain Thomas Backer. It's a strong ensemble cast featuring some of Germany's most recognizable film talent.
When was The Guardians released?
The Guardians premiered in Germany on September 18, 2012, where it was released under its original title Schutzengel. It reached US audiences on October 10, 2012. The film was a major commercial success in Germany, drawing large audiences during its theatrical run.
Is The Guardians based on a true story?
No, The Guardians is not based on a true story. It is an original fictional screenplay written by Til Schweiger, Stephen Butchard, and Paul Maurice. The story of a witness protection officer sheltering a teenage orphan from a corrupt businessman is entirely invented for the film.
How long is The Guardians?
The Guardians has a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes (133 minutes). It's a fairly substantial watch for an action thriller, giving the film room to develop the relationship between Max and Nina alongside its chase sequences and confrontations with the film's villains.
What movies are similar to The Guardians?
If you enjoyed The Guardians, you might also like Sixty Minutes (2024), Hunting Season (2025), Absolution (2024), The Locksmith (2023), and Buried in Barstow (2022). These films share a similar mix of action, crime, and protective-protagonist storylines that fans of the genre tend to enjoy.
More About The Guardians
Explore further details about The Guardians on these trusted resources.