Russmeister

Danielle Russell Movie Review   ** __The Guardian __ **  The Guardian, a 2006 film about the U.S. Coast Guard, is a raw, partially romantic, informative movie. The cast does an amazing job at showing the reality of the Coast Guard, while throwing in some surprising stories that make your heart ache for Ben Randall (Kevin Costner), a rescue swimmer in a saving gone wrong, and Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher), a young cadet at the Coast Guard’s ‘A school’. This movie reveals the shocking real-life situations that the young swimmers of the U.S. Coast Guard deal with every day. While the beginning is very drawn out, the training in ‘A school’ looks intense. I could never imagine attempting what these people do for a living.  Costner’s Ben Randall is a great teacher in this movie. He’s rough around the edges, but the old man certainly does have a heart. After losing the rest of his team in an attempt to save a nearly frozen boy, Randall is given the option to resign or teach at ‘A school’. Though reluctant, he chooses to teach. Randall really questions Fischer (Ashton Kutcher) in this movie and puts him to the test. After all, what is a swim champ with Ivy League school offers doing in “A school”? Fischer’s story begins to unravel as he puts himself into more trouble with the rules of his training school. Although Randall doubts him sometimes, he strives to teach Fischer that it’s not about records, it’s about saving lives. By the end of the movie, Fischer has not only learned to save lives, he’s learned who to save and who to let go. I agree with other critics about the movie being drawn out and maybe a bit too long, but with so many important events, I don’t see how it could’ve been done any other way. In order for one to understand Randall and Fischer, the story needs to have enough detail. This is why the movie was so long. When it all comes together, each part makes perfect sense. I don’t think the director would’ve been able to cut anything out. Each section of the movie is critical to understanding the ending. I found this movie to be one of the best I’ve ever seen from Ashton Kutcher. His dramatic role is excellent and it was refreshing to see that he can do more than just comedy. I was quite impressed with all of the actors. Urban Cinefile said that “Kevin Costner has never been better as the self-doubting hero, while Ashton Kutcher delivers his most complete dramatic role so far as the ambitious rookie.” And Laramie Movie Scope stated “I couldn't help but admire the film's noble spirit, which is sorely lacking in most movies.” The Guardian is a great movie to show how much the U.S. Coast Guard really does for our country. Besides the fluff and drama in the middle, the events in the movie are very real; however, none of us normal citizens know this because we live in our own little bubbles. I think that people should watch The Guardian because it will open their eyes to how dangerous a rescue swimmer’s career is. People might show more respect for the Coast Guard after realizing just how hard their job is. This movie is filled with passion, strength, and love for not only the ladies, but for the Coast Guard as well. The ending gave me a heart ache like no other, but the movie all together is incredible. I highly recommend that others watch it. 

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