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The Guard
Gleeson is on fine form as an unorthodox garda (special interests: class-A drugs, Russian literature, prostitutes, swimming, swearing) whose quiet corner of coastal Connemara becomes an international crime hotspot. Thus he is paired with urban FBI man Don Cheadle, who looks genuinely flummoxed by Gleeson's inappropriate outbursts. "I'm Irish. Racism is part of my culture," Gleeson protests. If signs point to a mismatched-buddy cop movie, well, that's sort of what you get, but nothing in this sly, wry little movie is quite what it appears. Even the racism turns out to be part of a larger take on Ireland's insularity, eroding identity and inexorable Americanisation – the latter of which adds a self-aware edge to the unlikely crime proceedings. Director: John Michael McDonagh Starring: Brendan Gleeson, David Wilmot, Don Cheadle Rating: 15 Year: 2011 Country: Ireland Length: 96mins |