Tools for this page
Print

The Guardian

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Waterlogged rescue flick is nothing new.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    An arrogant young swimmer learns to support his team and make hard choices in rescue situations; a lonely veteran swimmer trains youngsters to take up his heroic legacy.
  • Violence:

    Several violent storms at sea; flashbacks show the dangers of Coast Guard rescue-swimming; a rescuer has to punch a hysterical victim; a couple of rescuers die; a helicopter crashes and explodes; a trainer is punched in the nose and bleeds; a couple of barfights with Navy sailors leave Jake (and then Ben) bloodied and bruised; training is hard (in freezing water, holding breath, swimming to the point of exhaustion).
  • Sex:

    A fairly young couple engages in sexual activity, including passionate kisses and some playful rolling in bed, wearing underwear and mostly under the covers.
  • Language:

    One "f--k" several other profanities ("damn," "s--t," "a--hole," etc.).
  • Consumerism:

    Wild Turkey liquor bottle is visible.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Characters drink in bars to get drunk; some vomiting; Ben chews Vicodins to kill physical and emotional pain; some cigarette smoking.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Guardian was written by Cynthia Fuchs

Parents need to know that this action drama includes several harrowing scenes of storms and sinking boats at sea. Rescue swimmers valiantly try to save victims, but some deaths occur on screen (not bloody, but sad and -- in one case -- quite disturbing). Kids with fears about water should probably see something else. Sailors and swimmers argue and draw blood in fistfights. A couple falls in love and is shown kissing and in bed (no explicit sex, but tumbling under blankets and some underwear shots). Protagonists drink, take painkillers, and use occasional profanity.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about ways to deal with trauma. How does the movie make the case that focusing on the future (in the form of students to be taught and lives to be saved) helps Ben overcome his guilt, anger, and frustration? What are other ways -- both successful and unsuccessful -- that people deal with traumatic events? How do Ben and Jake's similarities (ambition, competitiveness, tragic pasts) make them ideal partners? What other movies have used a similar structure (tough veteran mentors young hot shot)? Families can also discuss the work of the Coast Guard, including the unit's heroic rescues on the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina.
Did this review help you decide?

Are you going to see it?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on The Guardian

What’s the Story?

Kevin Costner stars as Ben Randall, a veteran Coast Guard rescue swimmer who turns to teaching after a traumatic event leaves him unable to carry on as usual. Ben needs to recover his nerve, while cocky student Jake (Ashton Kutcher) learn to play nicely with others, including his girlfriend, Emily (Melissa Sagemiller). Both teacher and student have suffered; the revelations of that suffering lead each to his own sort of manly re-commitment. At the rescue-swimming training facility, Ben's red-lit nightmares are compounded by the fact that his long-suffering wife, Helen (Sela Ward), has left him. He self-medicates and grumps at the recruits, and for 18 weeks, drills his trainees hard. Ben's methods occasionally alarm and annoy his fellow instructors, including resentful second-in-command Jack (Neal McDonough) and skeptical presiding officer Larson (John Heard). During his down time, Ben calls Helen to beg forgiveness and helps Jake avenge a beating he received from disdainful Navy sailors. Though the trainees' ranks do include a woman, the focus here is on boys learning to be men. Ben and Jake see themselves in each other, pretty much to the exclusion of anyone else. When Emily suggests to Jake that Ben may be "trying to push you to be better," Jake sets her straight: "He knows I'm better than he is!"

Is It Any Good?

With a retread plot, plenty of boy-bonding action, and a shirtless Ashton Kutche, Andrew Davis' THE GUARDIAN is a by-the-numbers crowd pleaser that's about as dull as a heroic redemption story could be.

Per formula, parallel redemption stories grant "emotional" moments to both Ben and Kutcher's Jake. By the time Jake has his big breakdown scene (he cries, though he doesn't actually say, "I got nowhere else to go!"), it's clear that, for all their earnest, actorly efforts, neither man has a chance against Ron L. Brinkerhoff's hackneyed script.

Movie Details

Studio: Buena Vista Pictures, Director: Andrew Davis
Run time: 136 minutes
Theatrical release: 09/28/2006, DVD release: 01/23/2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for for intense sequences of action/peril, brief strong language and some sensuality.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about The Guardian?

or

to post a review

See all 27 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Yikes!!! 2 stars CSM??? C'mon! 5 all the way!

    My all time favortite, if there is a more aspiring movie outthere i have yet to see it. If yor kids are interested in seeing it and are 11 or up say yes the ending will make you cry but then bring a smile to your face. I had no idea wat these guys did untill seeing this how much they go through for us. There is some language including a F**k, violence is there but not much, but there peril and tense rescueing scenes, All arounda great, inspiring and stunning movie.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Yikes!!! 2 stars CSM??? C'mon! 5 all the way!

    My all time favortite, if there is a more aspiring movie outthere i have yet to see it. If yor kids are interested in seeing it and are 11 or up say yes the ending will make you cry but then bring a smile to your face. I had no idea wat these guys did untill seeing this how much they go through for us. There is some language including a F**k, violence is there but not much, but there peril and tense rescueing scenes, All arounda great, inspiring and stunning movie.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    another great movie

    This movie is just great. It has a nice message and ending and is just an instant fav or a movie at the top of your list. Its a movie that makes u appreciate what rescue swimmers do (or make me aware of them in the first place with me, lol) and is just a good movie <3

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 4.0

    Great movie

  6. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  7. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    THIS IS THE BEST MOVIE EVER

    ilove the action

  8. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 3.0

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 4.0

    A fun film

    This movie is full of action and is lots of fun to watch. Why Common Sense Media gave it only two stars i cannot figure out! I thought that it was very entertaining and lots of fun to watch.

  10. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  11. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    great movie.

    most of the time these "professional critics" say a movie is bad that tells you it's a must see.

  12. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 3.0

  13. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 3.0

    I liked it.

    This movie was Okay But CS shouldnt have gavin it a 13+. But you might enjoy it. But there was way to much traing!

  14. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    A Little Long, But Overall, Very Good

    This movie was a little long (Over two and a half hours), but other than that, was pretty good. The acting was good, and so was the plot and the special affects. My dad, brother and I enjoyed seeing it in theatres.

  15. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 4.0

    Good movie to watch w/o kids

    They movie would have been great w/o the "casual sex" philosophy and the extra focus on alcohol consumption. Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher were great.

  16. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    Touching and real

    With a family member in The Coast Guard and active in search and rescue it was amazing to see the things he has told me about come to life. This film was well researched and Costner & Kutcher gave impressive performances.

  17. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    I was impressed

    I got past the poor me, my wife left me story. I also figured out in no time that the young character had a tragic past....go figure. I need to save the world because I let my friends die??? What did not get past me was that this really does happen, in the real world. It may not happen in this particular situation, but it does happen. We call it "Life". It can suck, and it can be harsh. Very, Very Harsh!! The difficulty of this movie "is" the fact that these situations "do" arise? and these men and women "do" risk their lives to save said victim's.....without hesitation!!! Was this movie "Hochie?" NO, not to me. Maybe a bit far fetched for I am sure the USCG is much tougher on its recruits then the movie depicted, but it was, in fact " a movie". Try to put things into prespective here. How many of "us" would put our lives on the line. No where near a situation that was depicted in this movie? Not a one I fear. I have nothing but respect for the men and women that risk their lives for us. To make a movie, one has to have a story line.....that was easy...saving ppople from immenent death...OH, and if my opinion counts for anything......if we can show our children that there are more important things in the world then whether or not our MP3 player is loaded, then we are not doing such a bad job in raising them. i could care less if anyone agrees with me. Forcing people to face their fears without quitting is not a bad idea in my book. I think anyone 13 and over could find this movie has quality...even thought the "star" appears to be human......oop[s

  18. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Nebraska
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    This movie rocks! Go Kucther!

    Great movie! I want to buy it!

  19. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 2.0

    Well it was good...

    I liked it, though it was way to long, and the one guy didn't need to die at the end. I left after that. The sex was nothing, I mean it's probably good for 12 and up. I was mature enough to handle it, so it's not that big of a deal.

  20. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    I LOVE THIS MOVIEE.

    THIS MOVIE WAS THE BEST ONE I HAVE EVER SEEN. I CRIED FOREVER AFTER THE MOVIE, THAT IS WHAT MADE IT GOOD..

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    Percy Jackson Fever

    Percy Jackson Fever

    Read the book before you see the movie!

  • Advice for Parents

    Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

    Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

    New gadget gifts? Get help setting limits.

  • Must See TV

    Life Unexpected

    Life Unexpected

    Teen-themed family drama is edgy but earnest.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Game of the Week

    Reader Rabbit Kindergarten

    Reader Rabbit Kindergarten

    Fave brainy bunny hops to DS for learning romp that talks.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name