I went to an advance screening of this movie thinking I was about to embark on 120 minutes of cheezy lines, mindless plot, and the kind of nauseous acting that made "The Postman" one of the most malignant displays of cinematic blundering of our time. But I was shocked. Shocked to find a film starring Costner that appealed to the soul of the audience. Shocked that Ashton Kutcher could act in such a serious role. Shocked that a film starring both actually engaged and captured my own emotions. Not since 'Robin Hood' have I seen this Costner: full of depth and complex emotion. Kutcher seems to have tweaked the serious acting he played with in "Butterfly Effect". These two actors came into this film with a serious, focused attitude that shone through in what I thought was one of the best films I've seen this year. No, its not an Oscar worthy movie. It's not an epic, or a profound social commentary film. Rather, its a story about a simple topic, illuminated in a way that brings that audience to a higher level of empathy than thought possible. That's what I think good film-making is and I for one am throughly impressed by this work. Bravo!
323 Reviews
Interesting look at an under-appreciated group of heroes
TheMovieMark29 September 2006
I was looking forward to The Guardian, but when I walked into the theater I wasn't really in the mood for it at that particular time. It's kind of like the Olive Garden - I like it, but I have to be in the right mindset to thoroughly enjoy it.
I'm not exactly sure what was dampening my spirit. The trailers looked good, but the water theme was giving me bad flashbacks to the last Kevin Costner movie that dealt with the subject - Waterworld. Plus, despite the promise Ashton Kutcher showed in The Butterfly Effect, I'm still not completely sold on him. Something about the guy just annoys me. Probably has to do with his simian features.
It took approximately two minutes for my fears to subside and for my hesitancies to slip away. The movie immediately throws us into the midst of a tense rescue mission, and I was gripped tighter than Kenny Rogers' orange face lift. My concerns briefly bristled at Kutcher's initial appearance due to the fact that too much effort was made to paint him as ridiculously cool and rebellious. Sunglasses, a tough guy toothpick in his mouth, and sportin' a smirk that'd make George Clooney proud? Yeah, we get it. I was totally ready to hate him.
But then he had to go and deliver a fairly strong performance and force me to soften my jabs.
Darn you, ape man! Efficiently mixing tense, exciting rescue scenes, drama, humor, and solid acting, The Guardian is easily a film that I dare say the majority of audiences will enjoy. You can quibble about its clichés, predictability, and rare moments of overcooked sappiness, but none of that takes away from the entertainment value.
I had a bad feeling that the pace would slow too much when Costner started training the young guys, but on the contrary, the training sessions just might be the most interesting aspect of the film. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers are heroes whose stories have never really been portrayed on the big screen, so I feel the inside look at what they go through and how tough it is to make it is very informative and a great way to introduce audiences to this under-appreciated group.
Do you have what it takes to be a rescue swimmer? Just think about it -you get to go on dangerous missions in cold, dark, rough water, and then you must fight disorientation, exhaustion, hypothermia, and a lack of oxygen all while trying to help stranded, panicked people who are depending on you for their survival. And if all that isn't bad enough, sometimes you can't save everybody so you have to make the tough decision of who lives and who dies.
Man, who wants all that responsibility? Not me! I had no idea what it was really like for these guys, and who would have thought I'd have an Ashton Kutcher/Kevin Costner movie to thank for the education?
Not only does The Guardian do a great job of paying tribute to this rare breed of hero, but lucky for us it also does a good job of entertaining its paying customers.
THE GIST
Moviegoers wanting an inside look at what it's like to embark on a daring rescue mission in the middle of the ocean might want to give The Guardian a chance. I saw it for free, but had I paid I would've felt I had gotten my money's worth.
I'm not exactly sure what was dampening my spirit. The trailers looked good, but the water theme was giving me bad flashbacks to the last Kevin Costner movie that dealt with the subject - Waterworld. Plus, despite the promise Ashton Kutcher showed in The Butterfly Effect, I'm still not completely sold on him. Something about the guy just annoys me. Probably has to do with his simian features.
It took approximately two minutes for my fears to subside and for my hesitancies to slip away. The movie immediately throws us into the midst of a tense rescue mission, and I was gripped tighter than Kenny Rogers' orange face lift. My concerns briefly bristled at Kutcher's initial appearance due to the fact that too much effort was made to paint him as ridiculously cool and rebellious. Sunglasses, a tough guy toothpick in his mouth, and sportin' a smirk that'd make George Clooney proud? Yeah, we get it. I was totally ready to hate him.
But then he had to go and deliver a fairly strong performance and force me to soften my jabs.
Darn you, ape man! Efficiently mixing tense, exciting rescue scenes, drama, humor, and solid acting, The Guardian is easily a film that I dare say the majority of audiences will enjoy. You can quibble about its clichés, predictability, and rare moments of overcooked sappiness, but none of that takes away from the entertainment value.
I had a bad feeling that the pace would slow too much when Costner started training the young guys, but on the contrary, the training sessions just might be the most interesting aspect of the film. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers are heroes whose stories have never really been portrayed on the big screen, so I feel the inside look at what they go through and how tough it is to make it is very informative and a great way to introduce audiences to this under-appreciated group.
Do you have what it takes to be a rescue swimmer? Just think about it -you get to go on dangerous missions in cold, dark, rough water, and then you must fight disorientation, exhaustion, hypothermia, and a lack of oxygen all while trying to help stranded, panicked people who are depending on you for their survival. And if all that isn't bad enough, sometimes you can't save everybody so you have to make the tough decision of who lives and who dies.
Man, who wants all that responsibility? Not me! I had no idea what it was really like for these guys, and who would have thought I'd have an Ashton Kutcher/Kevin Costner movie to thank for the education?
Not only does The Guardian do a great job of paying tribute to this rare breed of hero, but lucky for us it also does a good job of entertaining its paying customers.
THE GIST
Moviegoers wanting an inside look at what it's like to embark on a daring rescue mission in the middle of the ocean might want to give The Guardian a chance. I saw it for free, but had I paid I would've felt I had gotten my money's worth.
Worthy of audience applause
burt128 September 2006
I attended an advance screening of this film not sure of what to expect from Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher; both have delivered less than memorable performances & films. While the underlying "general" storyline is somewhat familiar, this film was excellent. Both Costner and Kutcher delivered powerful performances playing extremely well off each other. The human frailties and strengths of their respective characters were incredibly played by both; the scene when Costner confronts Kutcher with the personal reasons why Kutcher joined the Coast Guard rescue elite was the film's most unforgettable emotional moment. The "specific" storyline was an education in itself depicting the personal sacrifice and demanding physical training the elite Coast Guard rescuers must go through in preparation of their only job & responsibility...to save lives at sea. The special effects of the rescue scenes were extremely realistic and "wowing"...I haven't seen such angry seas since "The Perfect Storm". Co-star Clancy Brown (HBO's "Carnivale" - great to see him again) played the captain of the Coast Guard's Kodiak, Alaska base in a strong, convincing role as a leader with the prerequisite and necessary ice water in his veins. The film wonderfully, and finally, gives long overdue exposure and respect to the Coast Guard; it had the audience applauding at the end.
Retold story holds water
bart-23318 September 2006
I've seen this story before but my kids haven't. Boy with troubled past joins military, faces his past, falls in love and becomes a man. The mentor this time is played perfectly by Kevin Costner; An ordinary man with common everyday problems who lives an extraordinary conviction, to save lives. After losing his team he takes a teaching position training the next generation of heroes. The young troubled recruit is played by Kutcher. While his scenes with the local love interest are a tad stiff and don't generate enough heat to melt butter, he compliments Costner well. I never really understood Sela Ward as the neglected wife and felt she should of wanted Costner to quit out of concern for his safety as opposed to her selfish needs. But her presence on screen is a pleasure. The two unaccredited stars of this movie are the Coast Guard and the Sea. Both powerful forces which should not be taken for granted in real life or this movie. The movie has some slow spots and could have used the wasted 15 minutes to strengthen the character relationships. But it still works. The rescue scenes are intense and well filmed and edited to provide maximum impact. This movie earns the audience applause. And the applause of my two sons.
A By The Numbers Good Movie
tabuno22 January 2019
8 October 2006. This predictable but interesting mainstream movie has Kevin Costner in is usual environment, playing the usual flawed though this time heroic Coast Guard savior. The stereotypical melodrama never quite appears on the screen fortunately and Ashton Kutcher gets a great come-back scene that hits a new level of mainstream quality for defying the ordinary, boring dramas of previous movies. The cinematography started well but didn't continue throughout the movie in its raw, daring, naturalistic form. Overall, this is a good, decent, improved version of action, thriller drama that we've seen before but better. Seven out of Ten Stars.
The work of the Coast Guard
blanche-23 April 2013
We've seen "The Guardian" many times before -- the young turk versus the old, dried up vet. But just because we've seen something done before doesn't mean the same story can't make a good movie.
From 2006, The Guardian is the story of Chief Petty Officer Ben Randall (Kevin Costner), a rescue swimmer for the Coast Guard who is still working despite the retirement age of 40. After a horrific rescue situation during which his best friend died, Ben's boss finally gives him a choice - he can teach at a Coast Guard school or retire. He decides to teach. There, he meets a hot shot, Jake Fischer, a top swimmer with scholarship offers from everywhere.
There are some absolutely terrifying rescue scenes in this - the power of the ocean is awesome against man - and the scenes take place at night. Scary as all get-out. It really gives one an appreciation for the Coast Guard and the work that they do. This aspect alone makes the film worth it.
The dialogue is good, too, and Costner brings a gentle quality to his role. And the point made is good and true: the Coast Guard doesn't get the respect the other military branches get, and they should.
The title refers to people drowning claiming to feel a presence helping them survive.
You won't forget the rescue scenes. Recommended.
From 2006, The Guardian is the story of Chief Petty Officer Ben Randall (Kevin Costner), a rescue swimmer for the Coast Guard who is still working despite the retirement age of 40. After a horrific rescue situation during which his best friend died, Ben's boss finally gives him a choice - he can teach at a Coast Guard school or retire. He decides to teach. There, he meets a hot shot, Jake Fischer, a top swimmer with scholarship offers from everywhere.
There are some absolutely terrifying rescue scenes in this - the power of the ocean is awesome against man - and the scenes take place at night. Scary as all get-out. It really gives one an appreciation for the Coast Guard and the work that they do. This aspect alone makes the film worth it.
The dialogue is good, too, and Costner brings a gentle quality to his role. And the point made is good and true: the Coast Guard doesn't get the respect the other military branches get, and they should.
The title refers to people drowning claiming to feel a presence helping them survive.
You won't forget the rescue scenes. Recommended.
Accurate portrayal of the USCG...
zzsilentbobzz17 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a Petty Officer 1st Class (E-6) and have been in the USCG for 6 years and feel that this movie strongly represents the Coast Guard. There were only a few scenes that were far fetched. The most far-fetched was when PO Fischer (Kutcher) went down inside of the sinking vessel to pull the vessel's captain out of the engine room... that would never happen. Swimmers are not allowed to go inside of any vessel no matter the circumstances. Second, the Command Center (supposedly in Kodiak), it looked more like a NASA command center... we don't have any gear that hi-tech. Third, the Captain of the Airstation would not be running the search & rescue cases with like 10 people on watch. In reality it would be an E-6 or E-7 as the SAR Controller and maybe 2 other support personnel like an assist SAR Controller & a Radio Watchstander. Otherwise the movie was dead on, I think they should have incorporated more of the other rates in the CG and their roles in search & rescue instead of just Aviation based rates. Some of the scenes from "A" school reminded me of my days their and the dumb stuff I did and got in trouble for in my younger days.
Left a Little Disappointed
bpdmailbox-collegebound25 September 2006
If you had asked me how the movie was throughout the film, I would have told you it was great! However, I left the theatre feeling unsatisfied. After thinking a little about it, I believe the problem was the pace of the ending. I feel that the majority of the movie moved kind of slow, and then the ending developed very fast. So, I would say the ending left me disappointed.
I thought that the characters were well developed. Costner and Kutcher both portrayed their roles very well. Yes! Ashton Kutcher can act! Also, the different relationships between the characters seemed very real. Furthermore,I thought that the different plot lines were well developed. Overall, it was a good movie and I would recommend seeing it.
In conclusion: Good Characters, Great Plot, Poorly Written/Edited Ending. Still, Go See It!!!
I thought that the characters were well developed. Costner and Kutcher both portrayed their roles very well. Yes! Ashton Kutcher can act! Also, the different relationships between the characters seemed very real. Furthermore,I thought that the different plot lines were well developed. Overall, it was a good movie and I would recommend seeing it.
In conclusion: Good Characters, Great Plot, Poorly Written/Edited Ending. Still, Go See It!!!
Decent flick
easyeee30 September 2006
As others that have commented around the web... I'm a 130 pilot in the Coast Guard. Having said that, and being the skeptic I am, I went expecting the over-the-top cheese factors. There was some cheese, but all in all, not much.. and the film was pretty accurate.
I watched the trailer again today. After seeing the film yesterday, I've realized the trailer gives the impression the movie is nothing but rescue after rescue action scenes. This isn't the case.
The movie is truly more character/story driven than action. The inner struggles both Costner and Kutcher are dealing with.. Kutcher's is revealed further into than movie than Costner's is.
Of course, there is a minor love story.. no surprise there. But for the most part, the movie tells the tale of two lives that come together, and after some time, help each other heal old wounds.
As girlie as it sounds, Costner and, as much as I try not to like him, Kutcher do actually work quite well together and compliment each other very well in the movie.
As critics have stated, you've seen it all before.. Top Gun, Officer and a Gentlemen, etc. But what movie hasn't been remade a million times.
I can recall only one F word being spoken.. and can't really recall any other language.
The movie is 2+ hours, and for some, may tend to get a little long towards the end.
You'll laugh, you may cry, but I can honestly say, it was worth the $4 I paid.
I hope you enjoy the movie.
I watched the trailer again today. After seeing the film yesterday, I've realized the trailer gives the impression the movie is nothing but rescue after rescue action scenes. This isn't the case.
The movie is truly more character/story driven than action. The inner struggles both Costner and Kutcher are dealing with.. Kutcher's is revealed further into than movie than Costner's is.
Of course, there is a minor love story.. no surprise there. But for the most part, the movie tells the tale of two lives that come together, and after some time, help each other heal old wounds.
As girlie as it sounds, Costner and, as much as I try not to like him, Kutcher do actually work quite well together and compliment each other very well in the movie.
As critics have stated, you've seen it all before.. Top Gun, Officer and a Gentlemen, etc. But what movie hasn't been remade a million times.
I can recall only one F word being spoken.. and can't really recall any other language.
The movie is 2+ hours, and for some, may tend to get a little long towards the end.
You'll laugh, you may cry, but I can honestly say, it was worth the $4 I paid.
I hope you enjoy the movie.
Overall good movie but has some weak points
barryk_7620 September 2006
I was fortunate enough to see this movie on pre-release last night and, though I wasn't expecting to, actually really enjoyed the movie for the most part. The rescues and sea effects were amazing to watch and definitely provided edge of the seat tense moments, probably all the more so knowing that there are guys who do this for a living. The weaker parts of the movie revolve largely around using stereotypical set scenes. I'm not going to spoil the movie but this really follows along the lines of An Officer and a Gentleman and those moments give it a little bit of a cheesy aftertaste.
Like I said over all this movie is pretty good and worth checking out as long as you can get past the clichés.
Like I said over all this movie is pretty good and worth checking out as long as you can get past the clichés.
Much More Than I Expected
goodapollo228 September 2006
I work at a movie theater and every Thursday night we have an employee screening of one movie that comes out the next day...Today it was The Guardian. I saw the trailers and the ads and never expected much from it, and in no way really did i anticipate seeing this movie. Well turns out this movie was a lot more than I would have thought. It was a great story first of all. Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner did amazing acting work in this film. Being a big fan of That 70's Show I always found it hard thinking of Kutcher as anyone but Kelso despite the great acting he did in The Butterfly Effect, but after seeing this movie I think I might be able to finally look at him as a serious actor.
It was also a great tribute to the unsung heroes of the U.S. Coast Guard.
It was also a great tribute to the unsung heroes of the U.S. Coast Guard.
The film that didn't know when to stop
enoonmai3 November 2006
There's a point in 'The Guardian' where it reaches its logical conclusion and I expected the credits to roll and was mentally ready to leave, but they didn't and another section which could have ended the film followed, with another two after that.
Ostensibly a recruiting film for the US Coastguard, 'The Guardian' works best when Costner is trying to get through to Kutcher just as others had tried with Tom Cruise in previous films. The 'Top Gun' meets 'An Officer and a Gentleman' via 'Men of Honor' ninety minute training section of the film works well and is entertaining, but when this is over it really drags.
Ostensibly a recruiting film for the US Coastguard, 'The Guardian' works best when Costner is trying to get through to Kutcher just as others had tried with Tom Cruise in previous films. The 'Top Gun' meets 'An Officer and a Gentleman' via 'Men of Honor' ninety minute training section of the film works well and is entertaining, but when this is over it really drags.
Respect for the sacrifice vs. respect for the movie-going public
supah796 March 2007
With these kinda films, I'm always torn between two thoughts: I want to judge the film on it's own merits. But I also want to respect the men and woman (in uniform) the film portrays. It's like George W. Bush telling me to respect the men and women fighting terror: I don't agree with his policy, but the men and woman he sends abroad fighting terror deserve and do earn my respect. So my conclusion: the men and women of the Coast Guard deserve a film like this, but the movie-going public deserved a better film.
The Guardian doesn't separate itself by anything other than a cool movie poster. The script is corny (and borrows heavily from films like An Officer and a Gentleman), the production is pretty bland and the special effect are not that good. And then there is the acting: Costner walks around like he hasn't been inspired by a role in years and Kutcher... he should stay doing pranks: because the kid CAN NOT ACT.
Overall is this is like many other "homage to the uniform" films (like We Were Soldiers, Ladder 49 etc.): the people portrayed deserve our respect, but we deserve, as paying film fans, a better film.
The Guardian doesn't separate itself by anything other than a cool movie poster. The script is corny (and borrows heavily from films like An Officer and a Gentleman), the production is pretty bland and the special effect are not that good. And then there is the acting: Costner walks around like he hasn't been inspired by a role in years and Kutcher... he should stay doing pranks: because the kid CAN NOT ACT.
Overall is this is like many other "homage to the uniform" films (like We Were Soldiers, Ladder 49 etc.): the people portrayed deserve our respect, but we deserve, as paying film fans, a better film.
'To save lives' - and Kevin Costner's career
editor-29927 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Coming off of last year's dramatic role as an alcoholic ex-baseball player in "The Upside Of Anger," Kevin Costner again goes for the serious, this time as an aging U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer training a group of raw recruits, including pretty boy Ashton Kutcher ("The Butterfly Effect," "Guess Who?," and the MTV series "Punk'd").
As a rare cinematic homage to the USCG, it's an interesting monument; as a mentoring film, it falls between "An Officer and a Gentlemen" and "Heartbreak Ridge." In fact, it borrows heavily from both, and liberally pickpockets from "Top Gun," "Full Metal Jacket," "Gomer Pyle, USMC" and a little bit of Ron Howard's "Backdraft," as well.
This doesn't mean watching it is a negative experience, just one we've seen much of it before. Thank goodness director Andrew Davis ("The Fugitive," "Holes") appropriates the good parts of other movies, leaving most of the garbage behind.
Plotwise, Senior Chief Petty Officer Ben Randall, an icon among USCG lifesavers, moans and groans, chews pain pills and watches as his wife, Helen (Sela Ward, "Day After Tomorrow," TV series "House"), walks out on him. He's a hero, though, and heroes always hurt the ones they love - all in the call of duty.
He's still the best in his outfit, though, putting himself in harm's way to pull mostly undeserving people from sinking private craft and fishing boats, he earns a reputation as one of the branches most prolific rescuers.
But because his profession has caused the dissolution of his marriage, he threatens to quit the service. He is ultimately persuaded by his C.O. (Clancy Brown, "The Shawshank Redemption") to transfer from Kodiak, Alaska to Florida and train a bunch of rescue swimmer wanna-bes, including macho Jake Fischer (Kutcher).
During these scenes, we get to see an update of the old "tough-as-nails-instructor-with-the-heart-of-gold" cliché we've seen a dozen times.
Thankfully, a few new angles are thrown into the mix and we avoid a lot of past movie pitfalls. For example, we're introduced to a muscle-bound Brandon Molale ("Mission: Impossible 3"), who leads us to believe he will be a major antagonist, but is soon booted out; other characters appear and then leave the scene, just as in real military training situations.
Ultimately, though, it's the relationship between Randall and Fischer that moves to the forefront. The latter believing he is ordained to be a great rescuer because of his high school swim team credentials; the former, realizing the kid's potential, but also trying to knock the arrogant punk down a few notches.
Eventually, upon graduation, a plot convenience allows both men to be stationed in Alaska, where a concluding storm and sinking of a fishing boat allows one of the men to pull off the ultimate sacrifice, a la "Backdraft." Overall, an above-average effort with some nice effects and beautiful scenery that is our 49th state, with decent performances from the two leads; although Kutcher tends to get a bit sappy, at times.
As a rare cinematic homage to the USCG, it's an interesting monument; as a mentoring film, it falls between "An Officer and a Gentlemen" and "Heartbreak Ridge." In fact, it borrows heavily from both, and liberally pickpockets from "Top Gun," "Full Metal Jacket," "Gomer Pyle, USMC" and a little bit of Ron Howard's "Backdraft," as well.
This doesn't mean watching it is a negative experience, just one we've seen much of it before. Thank goodness director Andrew Davis ("The Fugitive," "Holes") appropriates the good parts of other movies, leaving most of the garbage behind.
Plotwise, Senior Chief Petty Officer Ben Randall, an icon among USCG lifesavers, moans and groans, chews pain pills and watches as his wife, Helen (Sela Ward, "Day After Tomorrow," TV series "House"), walks out on him. He's a hero, though, and heroes always hurt the ones they love - all in the call of duty.
He's still the best in his outfit, though, putting himself in harm's way to pull mostly undeserving people from sinking private craft and fishing boats, he earns a reputation as one of the branches most prolific rescuers.
But because his profession has caused the dissolution of his marriage, he threatens to quit the service. He is ultimately persuaded by his C.O. (Clancy Brown, "The Shawshank Redemption") to transfer from Kodiak, Alaska to Florida and train a bunch of rescue swimmer wanna-bes, including macho Jake Fischer (Kutcher).
During these scenes, we get to see an update of the old "tough-as-nails-instructor-with-the-heart-of-gold" cliché we've seen a dozen times.
Thankfully, a few new angles are thrown into the mix and we avoid a lot of past movie pitfalls. For example, we're introduced to a muscle-bound Brandon Molale ("Mission: Impossible 3"), who leads us to believe he will be a major antagonist, but is soon booted out; other characters appear and then leave the scene, just as in real military training situations.
Ultimately, though, it's the relationship between Randall and Fischer that moves to the forefront. The latter believing he is ordained to be a great rescuer because of his high school swim team credentials; the former, realizing the kid's potential, but also trying to knock the arrogant punk down a few notches.
Eventually, upon graduation, a plot convenience allows both men to be stationed in Alaska, where a concluding storm and sinking of a fishing boat allows one of the men to pull off the ultimate sacrifice, a la "Backdraft." Overall, an above-average effort with some nice effects and beautiful scenery that is our 49th state, with decent performances from the two leads; although Kutcher tends to get a bit sappy, at times.
Action on the Coast Guard flight line
jcook5605029 September 2014
As you watch, please remember "The Guardian" is a motion picture – a lot of the scenes are played in a way that will elicit certain emotions. Some of the scenes are just plain fantasy. However, that being said, please also remember that there are thousands of individuals who serve their country daily in the U. S. Coast Guard, a military service now under the Department of Homeland Security, but previously directed by the Department of Transportation. They serve at sea, on land and in the air. Much of the drama and danger depicted in the film is more than real. These situations happen far more often than you would imagine. How do I know? I served in the USCG from 1976 to 1984 several decades prior to the approximate time of the motion picture. The video training footage is real. And, it's simply amazing that many people are actually saved from some of those hopeless situations.
I almost lost my life on several occasions while tending to routine duty. Had it not been for our CG training and attention to detail, both before and during our missions, I would not be writing this review today. I served in every location depicted in the film, including Alaska, which can indeed be a brutal environment. The major portion of my small boat duty happened in the Gulf of Mexico. As we used to say while on small boat duty, "we are required to go out to sea, but we are not required to return." On the other hand, none of us was given permission by our commanding officer or chief to get hurt of killed.
I used to get somewhat miffed at the amount of publicity and attention that those in the aviation branches get over the much larger force of seagoing officers and enlisted sailors who take care of the daily drudgery and human drama that happens far too often while people are attempting to earn their living from the ever changing and unforgiving environment of the sea. But, the media likes that kind of high visual drama. The Officer of the Day won't spend a dime of the money it takes to fire up a sophisticated, multi-million dollar aircraft and risk a group of highly trained aviation personnel without some definite attainable mission. When things go wrong out there in the middle of nowhere, they can go wrong very fast. Many times a radio call to the USCG is all that stands between Davy Jones' locker and some more time spent on this earth with your family and friends. How much is it worth? Just ask any victim of circumstance who has spotted the red, white and blue stripes of a Coast Guard rescue. There are no words to describe it when a set of strong hands reaches for you and you hear those welcome words, "I'm with the U. S. Coast Guard. I'm here to help you." The relief is overwhelming.
When USCG pilots and enlisted swimmers go to sea, they have only a very limited time to affect a rescue, usually governed by fuel, load, weather, and yes, sometimes even luck. The job they do out there is supposed to be mostly routine. But, when the pilot announces it's time to leave the scene, you leave the scene. There is no question. It's either that or the people in the aircraft face a high risk of death. Every move the crew makes is full of life and death decisions that will determine the fate of not only those they are rescuing, but the personnel on the aircraft as well. Just one small error is all it takes for everyone in an operation to have a very bad day. So, all Coast Guard training is intentionally difficult to account for those variables.
This motion picture, "The Defection of Simas Kudirka (1978)" and a hand full of other films are a testament to the training, dedication to duty and the constant attention and work by the maintenance personnel that keep the helicopters, airplanes, small boats and cutters operating smoothly and safely to accomplish the over 200 mandated missions of the U. S. Coast Guard every hour of every day.
I almost lost my life on several occasions while tending to routine duty. Had it not been for our CG training and attention to detail, both before and during our missions, I would not be writing this review today. I served in every location depicted in the film, including Alaska, which can indeed be a brutal environment. The major portion of my small boat duty happened in the Gulf of Mexico. As we used to say while on small boat duty, "we are required to go out to sea, but we are not required to return." On the other hand, none of us was given permission by our commanding officer or chief to get hurt of killed.
I used to get somewhat miffed at the amount of publicity and attention that those in the aviation branches get over the much larger force of seagoing officers and enlisted sailors who take care of the daily drudgery and human drama that happens far too often while people are attempting to earn their living from the ever changing and unforgiving environment of the sea. But, the media likes that kind of high visual drama. The Officer of the Day won't spend a dime of the money it takes to fire up a sophisticated, multi-million dollar aircraft and risk a group of highly trained aviation personnel without some definite attainable mission. When things go wrong out there in the middle of nowhere, they can go wrong very fast. Many times a radio call to the USCG is all that stands between Davy Jones' locker and some more time spent on this earth with your family and friends. How much is it worth? Just ask any victim of circumstance who has spotted the red, white and blue stripes of a Coast Guard rescue. There are no words to describe it when a set of strong hands reaches for you and you hear those welcome words, "I'm with the U. S. Coast Guard. I'm here to help you." The relief is overwhelming.
When USCG pilots and enlisted swimmers go to sea, they have only a very limited time to affect a rescue, usually governed by fuel, load, weather, and yes, sometimes even luck. The job they do out there is supposed to be mostly routine. But, when the pilot announces it's time to leave the scene, you leave the scene. There is no question. It's either that or the people in the aircraft face a high risk of death. Every move the crew makes is full of life and death decisions that will determine the fate of not only those they are rescuing, but the personnel on the aircraft as well. Just one small error is all it takes for everyone in an operation to have a very bad day. So, all Coast Guard training is intentionally difficult to account for those variables.
This motion picture, "The Defection of Simas Kudirka (1978)" and a hand full of other films are a testament to the training, dedication to duty and the constant attention and work by the maintenance personnel that keep the helicopters, airplanes, small boats and cutters operating smoothly and safely to accomplish the over 200 mandated missions of the U. S. Coast Guard every hour of every day.
I wanted to share some real world experience
letshaveagoodtm8 January 2016
First, I spent over 3 years at the busiest Search and Rescue station in the Coast Guard, NAS Reserve New Orleans. Keven Costner played a Master Chief on SAR missions, that virtually never happens. The chiefs went home at 4:00 and the grunts took over. And during the day the ready crew for SAR missions was always E-6 and below.
Sometimes the senior officers went on SAR missions as pilots but never senior chiefs. I was an E-6 when I got out after logging over 1000 hours as a crewman. I will agree with others unless things have changed there was never any hurah just hard work and lots of it. We often worked 36 hours straight and put peoples lives at risk because of absolute fatigue! I was involved in multiple life saving missions as well as missions to pick up those that did not survive.
It was an amazing experience but I also no longer miss wondering if I will live or die during a mission. I sent a MayDay and also flew on another mission that declared and emergency. In the 4 months before I got out 3 helos crashed and there was one survivor out of all the crashes, 11 men giving their lives. Also, there was never any melodrama when we were making life and death decision, we fully understood our responsibilities and it was always very professional when we were forced to make those decisions!
FYI if you watched the movie my number was about 6 or 7, it was a hard number to think about and decide. But that was in about 3 years and 3 months.
Sometimes the senior officers went on SAR missions as pilots but never senior chiefs. I was an E-6 when I got out after logging over 1000 hours as a crewman. I will agree with others unless things have changed there was never any hurah just hard work and lots of it. We often worked 36 hours straight and put peoples lives at risk because of absolute fatigue! I was involved in multiple life saving missions as well as missions to pick up those that did not survive.
It was an amazing experience but I also no longer miss wondering if I will live or die during a mission. I sent a MayDay and also flew on another mission that declared and emergency. In the 4 months before I got out 3 helos crashed and there was one survivor out of all the crashes, 11 men giving their lives. Also, there was never any melodrama when we were making life and death decision, we fully understood our responsibilities and it was always very professional when we were forced to make those decisions!
FYI if you watched the movie my number was about 6 or 7, it was a hard number to think about and decide. But that was in about 3 years and 3 months.
Familiar story but still great.
geebeegb117 September 2006
I was pleasantly surprised to find this movie showing as a sneak preview in my local theater.
We have all seen this plot line before (Top Gun, GI Jane, An Officer and a Gentleman) but a good script still works. This story is basically about the training of a Coast Guard rescue team with a couple of side story lines. Kevin Costner plays a highly successful rescue team leader, Ben Randall, who is forced into heading the training team after a tough mission. The movie takes us through the rigors of the training process and the personal stories of both the Costner character and that of Jake Fischer, played by Ashton Kutcher. I am happy to say that Ashton is great in this part.
There are no great surprises in this movie and you will probably realize what is coming long before it arrives. However, the use of humor, the exploration of the toughness of the training and the fun of watching Ben Randall "do his own thing as a trainer", kept me riveted and thoroughly entertained. I really enjoy watching a movie that makes the entire audience laugh out loud, gasp here and there, and clap at the end as a tribute to the movie.
We all had a good time (despite a couple of tough moments in the movie)and, I think, you will too.
We have all seen this plot line before (Top Gun, GI Jane, An Officer and a Gentleman) but a good script still works. This story is basically about the training of a Coast Guard rescue team with a couple of side story lines. Kevin Costner plays a highly successful rescue team leader, Ben Randall, who is forced into heading the training team after a tough mission. The movie takes us through the rigors of the training process and the personal stories of both the Costner character and that of Jake Fischer, played by Ashton Kutcher. I am happy to say that Ashton is great in this part.
There are no great surprises in this movie and you will probably realize what is coming long before it arrives. However, the use of humor, the exploration of the toughness of the training and the fun of watching Ben Randall "do his own thing as a trainer", kept me riveted and thoroughly entertained. I really enjoy watching a movie that makes the entire audience laugh out loud, gasp here and there, and clap at the end as a tribute to the movie.
We all had a good time (despite a couple of tough moments in the movie)and, I think, you will too.
A pretty good action/drama with the Coast Guard on display
napierslogs26 June 2010
"The Guardian" stars Ashton Kutcher as a top swimmer training for the Coast Guard and Kevin Costner as an experienced, veteran rescue swimmer as the trainer. Costner and Kutcher are great together; it's the type of role you expect to see Costner in, and the type of role you want to see Kutcher in.
I loved seeing the Coast Guard on display and although I don't know exactly what it's like, this film is probably a little dramatized but realistic enough to accept it. It's a cross between an action and a drama. The many action scenes are mixed in with dramatic character development scenes. Since it's a blend of the two, you will need to like both your standard action and standard drama movies. You will also need to like the standard characters that these types of movies have, although they are good characters, there are no surprises.
My main complaint is that it's too long. It attempts to bring in too many characters, and they don't all work. They probably also spend a bit too long on some of the action sequences (unless of course you love the action). The length is especially highlighted when watching it on TV, the 3 and a half hours of action/drama is a bit much even for the biggest fans.
All in all, "The Guardian" is a pretty good movie, standard characters, and no divergence from the expected path, but its done well. I especially recommend it for young swimmers - the Coast Guard could be a very rewarding career, and I wish I had seen this movie when I was younger.
I loved seeing the Coast Guard on display and although I don't know exactly what it's like, this film is probably a little dramatized but realistic enough to accept it. It's a cross between an action and a drama. The many action scenes are mixed in with dramatic character development scenes. Since it's a blend of the two, you will need to like both your standard action and standard drama movies. You will also need to like the standard characters that these types of movies have, although they are good characters, there are no surprises.
My main complaint is that it's too long. It attempts to bring in too many characters, and they don't all work. They probably also spend a bit too long on some of the action sequences (unless of course you love the action). The length is especially highlighted when watching it on TV, the 3 and a half hours of action/drama is a bit much even for the biggest fans.
All in all, "The Guardian" is a pretty good movie, standard characters, and no divergence from the expected path, but its done well. I especially recommend it for young swimmers - the Coast Guard could be a very rewarding career, and I wish I had seen this movie when I was younger.
An excellent fictional portrayal of the USCG, its aviation crews and their helicopter rescue swimmers!
japoti119 September 2006
Our family (and the entire sold out sneak preview audience) enjoyed "The Guardian". Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher gave convincing performances as the fictional helicopter rescue swimmer characters Ben and Jake. After seeing this movie, you can't help but imagine how difficult it must be to graduate from the USCG helicopter rescue swimmer school and one day take part in real rescues.
Even though this is a fictional movie, it delivered rather convincing virtues of team spirit, dedication and bravery exhibited by all the members of the actual U. S. Coast Guard.
The special effects used to create the rescue scenes were incredible. You actually felt like you were taking part in a real rescue.
I feel the movie could have been made without the "Hollywood" bar scene (when you see the movie, you might agree) since the real Coast Guard does not condone such behavior.
Very entertaining, very action packed, definitely worth seeing. Thank you, U. S. Coast Guard and the REAL helicopter rescue swimmers, "So Others May Live". I'd highly recommend this movie to everyone.
Even though this is a fictional movie, it delivered rather convincing virtues of team spirit, dedication and bravery exhibited by all the members of the actual U. S. Coast Guard.
The special effects used to create the rescue scenes were incredible. You actually felt like you were taking part in a real rescue.
I feel the movie could have been made without the "Hollywood" bar scene (when you see the movie, you might agree) since the real Coast Guard does not condone such behavior.
Very entertaining, very action packed, definitely worth seeing. Thank you, U. S. Coast Guard and the REAL helicopter rescue swimmers, "So Others May Live". I'd highly recommend this movie to everyone.
OK service flick, but you've seen it before
xredgarnetx25 August 2007
Kevin Costner teaches Ashton Kutcher a thing or two about saving people at sea in the goofily-named THE GUARDIAN, which is all about the Coast Guard. The plot closely resembles past flicks like AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN and TOP GUN and even Clint Eastwood's HEARTBREAK RIDGE. It also is too long, and will lose some viewers before the end, which is loosely based on a real rescue. Costner at least plays his age, much as he did in TIN CUP, and looks reasonably grizzled throughout. Sela Ward plays his ex-wife. Kutcher is less than convincing as his prize student, but that's Kutcher. He's just too damned girly to be playing a Richard Gere role. THE GUARDIAN is a time killer, if nothing else.
Semper Paratus
bkoganbing18 October 2006
The film The Guardian turned out to be a lifesaver for me in a way. I went to see it yesterday and forgot about the blackout that was crippling Buffalo for five days.
I was expecting to see another version of young cocky recruit in the hands of old professional which has been done innumerable times in film. I was pleasantly surprised to see some real character development for those stereotypes.
Kevin Costner is the old pro here and he's been doing a job he loves for over 20 years as a rescue swimmer for the United States Coast Guard. But he's slowing up now and won't face the fact he's aging. He also was the only survivor of a rescue mission that in itself went down. He's reassigned temporarily as an instructor to train new rescue swimmers.
The top prospect at the school is a cocky kid played by Ashton Kutcher who was a high school swimming champion. The two of them clash, but then bond quite dramatically as Kutcher tells him of some demons haunting him as well.
For those of you who think of Ashton Kutcher as the lovable sexy lunkhead Michael Kelso from That Seventies Show you are in for a real shock. He turns in quite a good performance in a role that is miles away from Michael Kelso. Mr. Kutcher has a lot more talent than folks were giving him credit for.
The scenes of the various Coast Guard rescues at sea are well done as are those showing the rescue swimmer training. I'd also commend the performance of Brian Geraghty as another young recruit back for his third try at the Rescue Swimmer School.
I guess the best praise I could give The Guardian is that the Coast Guard ought to adopt this film for recruiting.
I was expecting to see another version of young cocky recruit in the hands of old professional which has been done innumerable times in film. I was pleasantly surprised to see some real character development for those stereotypes.
Kevin Costner is the old pro here and he's been doing a job he loves for over 20 years as a rescue swimmer for the United States Coast Guard. But he's slowing up now and won't face the fact he's aging. He also was the only survivor of a rescue mission that in itself went down. He's reassigned temporarily as an instructor to train new rescue swimmers.
The top prospect at the school is a cocky kid played by Ashton Kutcher who was a high school swimming champion. The two of them clash, but then bond quite dramatically as Kutcher tells him of some demons haunting him as well.
For those of you who think of Ashton Kutcher as the lovable sexy lunkhead Michael Kelso from That Seventies Show you are in for a real shock. He turns in quite a good performance in a role that is miles away from Michael Kelso. Mr. Kutcher has a lot more talent than folks were giving him credit for.
The scenes of the various Coast Guard rescues at sea are well done as are those showing the rescue swimmer training. I'd also commend the performance of Brian Geraghty as another young recruit back for his third try at the Rescue Swimmer School.
I guess the best praise I could give The Guardian is that the Coast Guard ought to adopt this film for recruiting.
It's emotionally moving
michelle-teunissen2 November 2006
The movie is wonderful!
Everyone should watch it!
It's a movie that has a bit of everything. It's got comedy, drama, romance and i can truly see it as being based on a true story.
The movie is based on something that happens in our everyday life. Coast guards saving people from being taken by the sea. It's something we don't always pay attention to and the movie has opened my eyes to this.
The passion that the coast guard (Kevin Costner) shows towards the victims, and how he would go to extremes to save them is something that i admire.
Ashton Kuthcer was perfectly chosen for this role. He never showed that he was acting, but truly was Fisher.
i was moved by the movie and i really enjoyed it.
Everyone should watch it!
It's a movie that has a bit of everything. It's got comedy, drama, romance and i can truly see it as being based on a true story.
The movie is based on something that happens in our everyday life. Coast guards saving people from being taken by the sea. It's something we don't always pay attention to and the movie has opened my eyes to this.
The passion that the coast guard (Kevin Costner) shows towards the victims, and how he would go to extremes to save them is something that i admire.
Ashton Kuthcer was perfectly chosen for this role. He never showed that he was acting, but truly was Fisher.
i was moved by the movie and i really enjoyed it.
The perfect stereotype?
rmax30482330 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I wish I knew what to make of a movie like this. It seems to be divided into two parts -- action sequences and personal dramas ashore. It follows Ashton Kutsher through survival swimmer school, guided by Master Chief Kevin Costner, then to Alaska where a couple of spectacular rescues take place, the last resulting in death.
I must say that the scenes on the beach struck me as so stereotypical in so many ways that they should be barnacle encrusted. A typical bar room fight between Navy guys and Coast Guardsmen ("puddle pirates"). The experienced old timer Costner who is, as an elderly bar tender tells him, "married to the Coast Guard." The older chief who "keeps trying to prove to himself that he's still nineteen." The neglected ex wife ashore to whom Kostner pays a farewell visit. The seemingly sadistic demands placed on the swimmers by the instructors, all in pursuit of a loftier goal. The gifted young man hobbled by a troubled past.
The problem is that we've seen it all before. If it's Kevin Costner here, it's Clint Eastwood or John Wayne or Lou Gosset Jr. or Vigo Mortenson or Robert DeNiro elsewhere. And the climactic scene has elements drawn shamelessly from "The Perfect Storm" and "Dead Calm." None of it is fresh and none of the old stereotyped characters and situations are handled with any originality.
It works best as a kind of documentary of what goes on in the swimmer's school and what could happen afterward and even that's a little weak because we don't get much in the way of instruction. It's mostly personal conflict, romance, and tension about washing out.
It's a shame because the U. S. Coast Guard is rather a noble outfit, its official mission being "the safety of lives and property at sea." In war time it is transferred to the Navy Department and serves in combat roles. In World War II, the Coast Guard even managed to have a Medal of Honor winner in its ranks.
But, again, we don't learn much about that. We don't really learn much about anything. The film devolves into a succession of visual displays and not too much else. A disappointment.
I must say that the scenes on the beach struck me as so stereotypical in so many ways that they should be barnacle encrusted. A typical bar room fight between Navy guys and Coast Guardsmen ("puddle pirates"). The experienced old timer Costner who is, as an elderly bar tender tells him, "married to the Coast Guard." The older chief who "keeps trying to prove to himself that he's still nineteen." The neglected ex wife ashore to whom Kostner pays a farewell visit. The seemingly sadistic demands placed on the swimmers by the instructors, all in pursuit of a loftier goal. The gifted young man hobbled by a troubled past.
The problem is that we've seen it all before. If it's Kevin Costner here, it's Clint Eastwood or John Wayne or Lou Gosset Jr. or Vigo Mortenson or Robert DeNiro elsewhere. And the climactic scene has elements drawn shamelessly from "The Perfect Storm" and "Dead Calm." None of it is fresh and none of the old stereotyped characters and situations are handled with any originality.
It works best as a kind of documentary of what goes on in the swimmer's school and what could happen afterward and even that's a little weak because we don't get much in the way of instruction. It's mostly personal conflict, romance, and tension about washing out.
It's a shame because the U. S. Coast Guard is rather a noble outfit, its official mission being "the safety of lives and property at sea." In war time it is transferred to the Navy Department and serves in combat roles. In World War II, the Coast Guard even managed to have a Medal of Honor winner in its ranks.
But, again, we don't learn much about that. We don't really learn much about anything. The film devolves into a succession of visual displays and not too much else. A disappointment.
real good
Kirpianuscus5 February 2022
The wise use of bitterness , at different levels, the beautiful work of Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, the realism and inspired hommage to heroism are the solide pillars / virtues of this well crafted film. The only problem, for me, it is the too demonstrative end. But it is a good movie.
Drama misstep
JMLovely1 October 2006
I only went to see this movie because I have always liked Kevin Costner. I felt that Ashton did a great job in the Butterfly Effect. Unfortunately, even though these two actors were/are capable of good if not great acting moments some of that was missing here. Some of the scenes were just not believable and didn't have enough story line support.
Though the movie claims influence from the hurricane Katrina aftermath, there was very little (none) to that effect in the movie.
Overall, I liked the fact that the movie brought forward some of what goes into saving lives from a water perspective.
The special effects were pretty good and more than a little intimidating. Not sure I'll ever go deep sea fishing again...
I expected a little more emotion in the film than what was presented.
Definitely a movie that could've been seen on DVD.
Though the movie claims influence from the hurricane Katrina aftermath, there was very little (none) to that effect in the movie.
Overall, I liked the fact that the movie brought forward some of what goes into saving lives from a water perspective.
The special effects were pretty good and more than a little intimidating. Not sure I'll ever go deep sea fishing again...
I expected a little more emotion in the film than what was presented.
Definitely a movie that could've been seen on DVD.
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