Ice Guardians

A documentary telling the fascinating story of the ice hockey enforcers who protected their teammates and handed out well deserved justice to anyone who dared inflict harm on their team. This really interesting documentary is fantastically put together by exploring all sides of the arguments to whether enforcers are needed and wanted. A great group of ex pro's and enforcers tell their story along with famous fans. It's must watch for any sports fans and I fell on the side that Ice Hockey was much better with these wonderfully protective enforcers in it.

Tries to be fair and balanced for the most part, although those that don't like fighting or enforcers are portrayed as out of touch and elitist, this is more about showing all facets of the characters that play and talking about their role. Solid movie if you're a hockey can, not sure if it would make one out of a non-fan though.

I thought the preview was better than the actual film. The documentary lacks any narration and ends up being an endless stream of clips from interviews with tough guys (oh and Jay Baruchel has a lot to say though I have no idea what makes him an authority on the subject). The story drags on far too long (this could/should be a one hour film!) and the constant footage of fights gets a bit tiresome, if not gruesome, over time. I played hockey my whole life and still struggle with the role of fighting in the game. I was looking for some stimulative thought in this contentious issue but didn't get any from this film. It is very biased, effectively glorifying the enforcers of the game (albeit in a rather covert way). I didnt watch a film on fighters without expecting to see some good fights, but at the end of the day this film lacked any balance or thought provoking ideas about the issue. Just more of a celebration of violence and a subtle resentment of how the game has changed over time.

Brett Harvey's documentary Ice Guardians (released in 2016) is about very interesting subject. I am an ice hockey fan and enforcers are one interesting part of the NHL matches. I have noticed that fights have decreased in recent years. This documentary told some reasons for that.

Many former NHL players who were enforcers told about being enforcer and the evolution of the role in the history of the NHL. Former players and most fans who were interviewed hoped that the role of enforcer wouldn't disappear completely. Couple of interviewed said that the health of enforcers is a priority.

The documentary isn't completely objective and could be little shorter. On the other hand some interviews are emotional for example Dave Semenko's thoughts about winning the Stanley Cup when he played in Edmonton. Better than average documentary. 7/10

While I never got very into Ice Hockey, there was a time I played NHL as a video game. And while many may only recognize Wayne Gretzky, if you are into the sport you will know other names too (like Chelios and so forth). For people who have seen the movie Goon, there is not "Stifler" but Jay Baruchel to give his 5 cents. Sometimes he may seem unreasonable, but overall it is just another voice added and you can decide what you make of it.

It's also a nice touch, that people on the street are being asked things that concern the NHL. A very refreshing documentary with a great structure. So even if you not that into the hockey game, you will find something to grab your attention and keep the suspension high. It really is good and it will touch a nerve with you if your heart is not made out of stone