GUARDIANS, THE (2017)

THE GUARDIANS REVIEWED

“The Guardians” follows the story of several French women left to tend their farms after their husbands go to War. What Director/Writer Xavier Beauvois finds what it takes for such a creative switch. When the main farming lady’s son comes home from war, he immediately starts hitting on the farmhand women. Given that it was turning into a farming utopia, the presence of a man seemingly ruins everything. Normally, I’d hate that line of thought, but it’s handled so organically. If anything, this film is the first of many turning points in modern French cinema. Too many recent films want to focus on the modern or urbane. Stepping a few feet back and studying human relationships out of the comfort of modern era reveals truth. It’s not quite Sarah, Plain and Tall. However, it does remind me of the work I saw in The Keeping Room. I love discovering films like this that are off my radar. Also, I want to commend Music Box Films for a year of amazing releases. They lose the limelight in a crowded marketplace, but I wanted to give them kudos for a continuous flow of amazing films. Good job!

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Filmmaker Q&A
• Interviews
• Featurettes
• Booklet

A/V STATS

• 2.35:1 1080p transfer
• DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track

RELEASE DATE: 9/11/18