Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- earnest
- heroic
- somber
- action movie night
- maritime adventure viewing
What critics said
Critics found the authentic Coast Guard setting and earnest rescue drama engaging, but broadly regarded the film as overlong, formulaic, and burdened by borrowed military-movie clichés.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ben Randall trains cocky champion Jake Fischer while confronting the aftermath of a failed rescue and personal losses.
The film centers United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer training and benefited from participation by actual Coast Guard members.
After his crew dies in an accident and his marriage ends, Randall is reassigned to train future rescue swimmers.
The central relationship develops at the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer A School through punishing physical and psychological training.
Films like The Guardian, and why
Top Gun
shared military training drama, mentor protege relationship, heroic duty, and formula-driven action
The Finest Hours
shared elite rescue professionals, ocean peril, sacrifice, and emotionally earnest action drama
An Officer and a Gentleman
shared mentor driven coming-of-age structure, demanding institutional training, and redemption through teamwork
The Perfect Storm
shared disaster rescues, professional camaraderie, and high-stakes maritime adventure
Movie Details
- Director
- Andrew Davis
- Release Date
- 2006-09-28
- Runtime
- 139 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (1736)
Cast
- Kevin Costner
- Ashton Kutcher
- Sela Ward
- Melissa Sagemiller
- Dulé Hill
- Bryce Cass
- Omari Hardwick
- Clancy Brown
- Neal McDonough
- Benny Ciaramello
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video
- Buy
- Apple TV Store
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Guardian about?
- A traumatized Coast Guard rescue swimmer forges a cocky young recruit into a disciplined lifesaver while trying to reclaim his own purpose.
- What is The Guardian like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Guardian as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Guardian violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Guardian as mild.
- What did critics think of The Guardian?
- Critics found the authentic Coast Guard setting and earnest rescue drama engaging, but broadly regarded the film as overlong, formulaic, and burdened by borrowed military-movie clichés.
- Which films are like The Guardian?
- Films with a similar feel include Top Gun, The Finest Hours, An Officer and a Gentleman, and The Perfect Storm.
- How long is The Guardian?
- The Guardian runs 139 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Guardian?
- In United States, The Guardian is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store.
