Touchstone Pictures' "The Guardian"

There is a myth about a man that lives under the sea. He has never been seen by anybody other than the victims that swear his existence. This man, the Guardian, is said to be the best swimmer of all time. The Guardian never lets go and never gives up hope. This mythical hero, the Guardian, saves the lives of those lost at sea.

Touchstone Pictures' "The Guardian" portrays the life of a Rescue Swimmer in the Coast Guard. Rare and elite, Rescue Swimmers must jump out of helicopters into frigid water to save the lives of men, women, and children who would otherwise perish at sea. Whether from canoing accidents, torrential storms, or other disasters, these victims are unable to be reached by the Navy. "The Guardian" is the story of two Rescue Swimmers, legendary Rescue Swimmer Ben (Kevin Costner) and Rescue Swimmer in training Jake (Ashton Kutcher).

The story begins with Costner's character, Ben, losing his team in a fatal crash at sea as they attempt to rescue a group of men stranded on a small boat in the middle of a violent storm. As ice accumulates on the helicopter and the fuel is low, the team decides to take the biggest risk of their lives, the final for all but one, to save these men. "If we go back, they die," Ben bluntly states.

Unwillingly, Ben is sent to train the next group of potential Rescue Swimmers. Ben's unconventional training methods will make you shiver as he forces students to wade in a pool of ice water and swim back to land after being dropped off in the middle of the sea. It is at this school that Ben meets swim champ Jake Fischer. Arrogant and driven, Jake is tormented by his past.

Return to Kodiak, Alaska after graduation. Ben and Jake are fighting for their lives in the Bering Sea. It is here that Jake learns the true meaning of the Swimmers' motto, "So Others May Live!"

"The Guardian" is an intense action movie. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Finally, a great action movie without corny lines, naked women, and impossible acts of heroism. "The Guardian" was produced using actual rescue stories from true to life Rescue Swimmers. "When storms shut down entire ports, we go out. When hurricanes ground the U.S. Navy, we go out. . . If by some miracle you actually have what it takes to become one of us, you get to look forward to a life of meager pay and the distinct possibility of dying slow, cold, and alone somewhere in the vast sea. You will however, get the chance to save lives, " from Touchstone Pictures' "The Guardian."