The Guard

The Guard follows Gerry Boyle, a police sergeant in a quiet Irish coastal town whose tastes run to drink, prostitutes and provocative humour. When FBI agent Wendell Everett arrives to investigate an international drug-trafficking operation that has chosen the area as its base, Boyle is drawn into the case. The two men could hardly be less alike, and their clashing methods complicate the investigation even as the gang proves dangerous.

Released in 2011, the film was the first feature directed by John Michael McDonagh, who also wrote the screenplay; his later films include Calvary, War on Everyone and The Forgiven. Brendan Gleeson plays Boyle and Don Cheadle plays Everett, with Liam Cunningham, Mark Strong, Katarina Čas and David Wilmot among the supporting cast.

Made for around 6 million USD, the film took roughly 20 million USD worldwide. On IMDb it holds 7.3 out of 10 from about 101,000 votes, and on TMDB 7 out of 10 from around 1,460 votes. A critics' rating of 7.7 out of 10 from 135 reviews places it somewhat above the audience scores, indicating strong critical approval alongside solid viewer appreciation. Running 96 minutes, the film blends action, comedy, crime and thriller elements.