Ice Guardians (2016) User Reviews

I've got the power

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 24 March 2018]

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

Solid enough hockey doco; though "The Last Gladiators" does it better

[maccas-56367 · 7/10 · 21 January 2019]

This seemed to be propelled along with the adrenaline of the fights featured in the documentary. It gave a really great overview of the enforcer role and the place of hockey fights in the sport; right from their origins to their present day decline.

I'm someone who only recently developed a love for the sport during my time living in Canada. One of the first things I found appealing and unique to hockey were the fights. How the entire game would stop as the fighters took center stage was something I found incredibly fascinating and entertaining!

'Ice Guardians' definitely gave me the hockey-fight-fix I'd been craving lately. As a documentary, I preferred "The Last Gladiators" though, which also features the role of hockey enforcer, perhaps from a more classic era. This one seemed to have a big focus on "modern day" enforcers/fighters, with not every 'segment' being as appealing as the other. The different segments seemed a little disjointed at times, interrupting the flow the film. It was also a bit overlong.

Parts of the documentary I found the most interesting were the unspoken "etiquette" of the fights ("Hey, if I don't fight you, I might get dropped for the next game." "Sure, okay, I'll help you out.") and the players' emotions when seriously hurting opponents. The concussion element was also intriguing, with 95% of hockey concussions coming from play and not fights themselves. It's that statistic that will stay with me and hopefully prove that hockey fights are here to stay!

Tough guys will love this film, but not the fans who are looking for insight

[Ben-cherniavsky · 6/10 · 25 July 2019]

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.

Amazing Insight

[emrobsmith · 10/10 · 29 October 2016]

This film is a must watch for any hockey fan and indeed great viewing for any sports fan in general An amazing insight into the life of a professional hockey player, specifically looking at the role of the enforcer. It is cut together very well, it grips you to the point of not being able to look away in fear of missing something. The players them selves are captivating and the various experts add levels of depth. This includes Dr Victoria Silverwood, who adds her views following her PhD study entitled "Five for Fighting: The Culture and Practice of Violence in Professional Ice Hockey".

I cannot wait to watch it again, as I have a firm feeling that I will "see" other things that I missed the first time around.

Absolutely amazing!

[mattmaylett-47567 · 10/10 · 19 January 2019]

This is the only movie, show, or documentary that I have ever rated a 10/10. It was amazing! Enforcers have done more to protect players than any rule ever has. This documentary does a great job of explaining the fighting aspect of the game and those who do the dirty work. It also clears up a lot of misconceptions that people and the media have on the subject.

Are enforcers disappearing in NHL?

[mikavir · 7/10 · 23 November 2020]

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

Would I watch it again... with a little more fire.

[kyle_davey86 · 10/10 · 16 October 2017]

Really a solid look into fighting in hockey, the role of the enforcer and concussion related injuries in hockey in particular but in sport in general also. Some of these guys just deserved the acknowledgment for what they brought to the game for the last 30 or 40 years. Great interviews with some great former hockey players and insight into how they saw the game, the direction it is headed and what are the things that need addressing going forward.

Any sports fans and fight fans will love this

[pacman-81 · 9/10 · 25 June 2020]

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.

Awesome!

[colonel-13070 · 10/10 · 6 March 2020]

Great hearing and seeing actual players in the video clips and interviews speaking for themselves instead of some biased, deceptive media talking head. Excellent depiction of an enforcer in hockey and the NHL. The hot issues, enforcers, fighting, concussions..., were discussed fairly by all sides. Well done!

I feel dumber after watching this

[krancourt · 2/10 · 11 March 2020]

Great film for those who enjoy watching half-wit gorillas talking about bashing each other's faces in.

Solid look at hockey

[jellopuke · 8/10 · 14 April 2018]

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.

Outstanding

[brett-76260 · 10/10 · 13 August 2021]

If you love hockey, this one can't be missed. This show goes inside on what it means to be an enforcer. Such a well made documentary and so worth your time. RIP Bob Probert... The Best there is, The Best there was, The Best there will ever be...

Pathetic

[shanayneigh · 2/10 · 22 September 2020]

If you want to watch a bunch of roid raging troglodytes drone on and on about how fighting is so beneficial and important to a sport without fighting, this is the documentary for you. Very, very repetitive. It's so ridiculous. They're 240 pound children with bacne.