đŹ Immortality Has a Price
The Old Guard is a 2020 action-fantasy film that hits differently as it is inspired by the graphic novel Greg Rucka and Leandro FernĂĄndez with the same name. The film is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. It features deep emotional elements along with thrilling scenes. For example a core theme of the movie is immortality, and how deeply tied the emotions of love and betrayal are- so much so that even centuries of fighting to protect humanity feels useless, as these immortal warriors are aware that even immortality has its costs.
⨠CAST & CHARACTERS â Legends Who Bleed
- Award Winning Charlize Theron as Andromache of Scythia (Andy)
The Old Guard’s oldest and ruthless warrior is Andy. As the leaders often have to Andy shows a lot of tough love. However in Andy’s case, it is emerging end with exhausted empathy. Dim hope is all that is left in the world after millennia of constant fighting.
- KiKi Layne as Nile Freeman
Young US Marine Nile Freeman discovers her very own superhuman powers. Nile lacks the experience of leading in this new, more perilous world. She gets introduced with Andy, who is the established leader with untold burdens.
- Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker (Sebastien Le Livre)
Booker, the groupâs French sniper and soldier, is loyal but highly troubled along with being an emotionally drained member.
â Marwan Kenzari as Joe (Yusuf Al-Kaysani)
An Old Guard member who once lived as a Muslim warrior, Joe is able to share a bond that is unbreakable with Nicky. His character adds heart to the group through love and humor, making him a fierce and protective fighter.
â Luca Marinelli as Nicky (Nicolo di Genova)
Nicky is a former Crusader who once fought a war against Joe. Now in an immortal transcendent romance with him, Nickyâs relationship gives some of the filmâs most tender moments.
â Chiwetel Ejiofor as James Copley
An operative of the CIA previously, Copley is entranced with the potential good in the team and their capabilities. His actions lead to the filmâs central conflicts.
â Harry Melling as Steven Merrick
The Old Guardâs ruthless and self-serving modern-day immortal CEO of the pharmaceutical empire sees their immortality as a lucrative opportunity rather than a marvel.
đ THE STORY â When Legends Are Hunted
For centuries Andy, Booker, Joe, and Nicky have battled in secrecy, using their regenerative abilities to serve causes they deem just. After accepting a mission in South Sudan under the South African James Copley, they realize too late that they are being set up and their existence has been exposed to Merrick, the insidious pharmaceutical tycoon who aims to capture and experiment on them.
On the other hand, Nile Freeman, a US Marine who dies in combat but heals in real-time, suffers the horrifying discovery that she is one of them. And Andy recruits Nile and the two come into conflict over what it means to live âforeverâ and fight battles that never end.
With capture, betrayal, and brutal fights looming, the unprotected group must rediscover their purpose and defend one another as the world does everything in its power to break them apart.
đ THEMES â The Burden of Forever
The Loneliness of Immortality: Immortality in The Old Guard is not a gift, but a burden that grows stronger over time filled with loss, betrayal, and relentless melancholy.
Purpose and Legacy: The warriors challenge if their unrelenting conflict impacts the world, or whether they are destined to be mere spectators in a cyclical history.
Chosen Family: This group isnât connected by blood. They are linked by shared fights, pain, loyalty, and devotion. Their interconnecting bond is forged over trauma.
Ethical Dilemmas of Science: The film interrogates the use of human beings for âgreater goodâ purposes, especially in the context of contemporary medical practice.
đŹ PRODUCTION DETAILS Director:
Gina Prince-Bythewood Screenplay: Greg Rucka Based On: The Old Guard graphic novel by Greg Rucka and Leandro FernĂĄndez Producers: Charlize Theron, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, and others Music: Volker Bertelmann and Dustin O’Halloran Cinematography: Tami Reiker and Barry Ackroyd Editing: Terilyn A. Shropshire Production companies: Skydance Media, Denver and Delilah Productions, Marc Evans Productions Distributor: Netflix Languages: English Run time: 125 minutes Release date: July 10, 2020
đ RECEPTION
The Old Guard is regarded as a sharp, emotional action film. Critics commended The Old Guard for its compelling story, strong performances, and beautifully choreographed fights, highlighting Charlize Theronâs fierce and nuanced performance as Andy. The film’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, particularly through Joe and Nickyâs relationship, was also a welcomed change. Due to the success of the film, a sequel in development was confirmed.
𧨠FINAL VERDICT
The Old Guard is one of the few action films that artfully combine exhilarating fight scenes and deep character development. It tells the story of legendary warriors who have fought for centuriesânot for glory or wealth, but for hope, for redemption, and for each other. With its bold mythology and rich emotional undertones, alongside indelible and diverse characters, it is a remarkable film for viewers who appreciate intelligent action that speaks to the soul.