The Guardian Alternate Ending

I do not own this !
but I like this ending scene

[@E1m0Man]

As much as i love to see Fischer hold on and save randall, the original ending had so much power in that 2 minutes of cinema, it created tears of sadness but also unimaginable respect for senior sacrifice.

[@graceyjewels7148]

It fit the storyline better and was more accurate portrayal for SAR.

[@DarkGnome-gf1zz]

but this ending is the happy end. I have watched the movie so many times, always cried. The gestalt is closed now.

[@Nasty8159]

Senior sacrifice is a problem in this world.😊

[@roskva2]

I think the actual movie ending left me, at least, with the feeling that there was a Guardian, still out there saving lives. It was sad, but these brave men and women put their lives on the line every day.

[@sassbrat]

For me with the legend of The Guardian is that there is not one Guardian but many as The Guardian is the souls of all those who have died or have been lost at sea coming appearing to save others.

[@annalavransdattar6888]

What makes the original ending great is that it wraps right back to the beginning. Kevin Costner's character is the man who lives under the sea. I have to say though, I was crying so hard the tears shot from my face and hit the wall on the other side of the room.

[@GhostTrainPhoto]

" I was crying so hard the tears shot from my face and hit the wall on the other side of the room." Definitely using this phrasing in the future

[@hazem8382]

Are you sure it was tears?

[@Kitsune81]

If this was the ending I wouldn't even have remembered this movie. The emotional power of the original ending is what makes it memorable. I'm glad they didn't chose this ending.

[@Lehmann108]

Agree. It would just be another silly macho movie.

[@x-mensangel3567]

I love both endings, but it felt good to see Randall spared in this one. I think after this ending, Randall goes and patches things up with Helen and they get re married because if you watch them, despite their divorce, the love was still there and still very much powerful.

[@Ashclayton1994]

2:50 when he says "atta boy" I subconsciously keep thinking he's gonna say SpongeBob afterwards

[@KaRLa66626]

BOTH endings are great. The one you went with is.... Emotional, to say the least. I almost cry every time I watch it. The music is perfect for it.

[@firebird_spleen4190]

👍👌

[@samcohen8894]

Kendra LaLonde I believe this is probably one of Ashton Kutcher best movies

[@KitaHer0]

I just watched the Movie 30 sec. ago and I cried... This version makes me way more happy :D

[@Rayaspoloi]

Kendra LaLonde tbh score song made it more even great

[@mimble]

This made me smile like an idiot. I love that I got to see this. The original ending is the best one, though, in my opinion. It left such a deep, deep impact on me and I still nearly cry every time I see the words "So that others may live". Not because I'm sad for Senior Cheif Randall but because of how very real the words are. It blows my mind that there are people out there - brave, impossibly strong people - that are willing to die for others without a question. This movie opened my eyes to this reality and I've had nothing but the utmost respect for anyone - Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Firefighters, Police Officers to name just a few - who are there to help without hesitation in the most impossible situations. Senior Cheif Ben Randall's sacrifice was beautiful and the movie wouldn't have been this powerful without it.

[@MattBaumanN193]

+Erika Gutierrez I mean, its not like the air force has the paratroopers who go through even worse stuff. Hey, but no one ever thinks of the air force

[@mimble]

+Matthew Bauman Don't get butthurt, I said "to name a few" because I was thinking of my message, not about naming every single branch of the military. Whining is for kids, have some dignity. Crying to people in the comment section of a KZbin video, especially when they didn't disrespect anyone, is just silly.

[@chriskelly331]

Actually, at least in the US, the air force doesn't have paratroopers. However, they do have the PJs which also specialize in rescue swimming just like this on top of CSAR duties.

[@user-qx4rq4lp6f]

Well said

[@WhiskeyRoger369]

Either way, both ending are amazing! This is one of my favorite movies ever

[@shellysmith4021]

definitely a rewatch and rewatch and rewatch again movie!!!

[@RobertoSanchez-hc8kp]

One of THE best movies I have ever watched hands down. I barely started watching this film again as of last year after watching it in theaters in 2006 and I don't know why I didn't get it sooner. I cry like a baby every time I watch the ending. The movie hits home in so many different aspects. A+. I will watch it over and over again. Beautiful imagery of nature, beautiful soundtrack. The list goes on.

[@soldiersmama]

Both are great, but it made me smile real big to see this one, so thank you!!

[@CrazyChemistPL]

In such cases, both endings should be available on DVD version, with option to decide which ending I want to watch during particular screening. It would allow the movie to be more "flexible".

[@muneca515]

As must as I love this ending, the original has more meaning to it. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I wouldn't change it a bit.

[@travis_mitchell]

While the emotional weight of the film comes with Kevin Costner’s death, you know it’s coming. I think there is something beautifully flawed about a character trying to give their life for another person, but being denied that because of the other person’s selfish desire to keep them alive even if it means they both die. You’re waiting for the moment where one gives in, but at the last moment, fate takes over and saves both of them. The arrogance that comes with love, and more so the blind resilience that comes with faith really shines through here and allows both characters to live their lives more flawed than they were before, but in a way that endears us to them all the more because we’ve all felt what they feel at one point. The true Guardian being the belief that even at your worst moments, the willingness to not let your story end being the thing that allows you to turn to the next page of your life. Not saying this ending is better, but it would have left an equally powerful message, and one that the audience likely wouldn’t have seen coming.

[@chrisbarrett3234]

Well that is interestIng. Stepfather was Coast Guard. When I saw the ending in the Theatre I was disgusted. Standard protocol would have had the chopper drop to a lower altitude if there was a cable issue. The rescue swimmers could drop at a safe altitude into the water and the chopper would drop a life raft to the swimmers. The cable could be repaired and re-deployed. All good following standard safety SOPs. But that don’t sell movies. “Willing suspension of disbelief “.

[@winterspirit3734]

I'm glad they went with the original ending. Kevin's character living while he has no reason other than fishing seems more depressing. It has more emotional power but no not too depressing for it. Such an underrated movie for an amazing plot & performance by both Ashton & Kevin.

[@bluewolvesstudios2822]

I'm not a very big fan of sad endings, however some are considered excellent and powerful, thus this is one of those few movies where I have to say, I like both endings.

[@horselover022]

this is my favourite film ever i absolutely love it and no matter how many times i watch it the ending still hits me and makes me cry :)

[@kevinfreeman3098]

Normal folks have no idea how powerful a camera can be, granted that's so long as they are capturing a powerful performance and that scene, original and alternative have some phenomenally strong actors...

[@W34RD07]

Oh thank goodness this exists! This gave me such a wide smile to my face!! This one would have been so much better. But the fact that Randall fell gave the movie much bigger impact. Glad this exists!

[@lonredmon2496]

This is one of my top 20 favorite movies off all time. The original ending is better. The Bryan Adams song at the end, Never Let Go, wouldn't feel right if Randall lived. That song has now been used at more Law Enforcement funerals. Great song, Great movie.

[@mikeygoodboi]

They chose well. The Chief sacrificed himself for his little buddy. The victim first.

[@scentsygirl4u]

I like both endings, but I wish this was ending so then there could be a Guardian II

[@GrandmaKeith]

FISCHER could still come back to carry on chief Randall's legacy if they wanted to make another one. Technically Chief Randall had already retired.

[@biggusdoggus5909]

@@GrandmaKeith Call it Guardian The Legacy.

[@Strings013]

Great movie

[@scarecrow108productions7]

2:50 Captain Hadley: *Attaboy!!*

[@mossgeorge2001]

I like that ending and the comedy at the end.

[@Ladylight91]

As much as I "hate" the original ending for killing Senior. I have to say I like that one more than this one. The original makes the movie :)

[@drewparker3612]

I prefer the original, and i totally dislike this one. I think it... makes the movie when he falls, and without that there wouldn't be "The Guardian"

[@melissagreer4738]

The actual ending was so much better, more emotional, heart felt!

[@6271jesse]

Most defiantly my favorite movie of all time! I agree with the decision to go with the original ending it had so much more emotion and meaning.

[@cgurl1012]

This alternate ending would have seemed too unreal, just like all the other happy endings to movies such as these. Painful movie endings like the one they stuck to have been substituted for ones that "have the audience leave with a smile" as you said, because people are always striving foreternal happiness. Truth is that that's not the real life. I'd rather watch a heart-wrenching movie like this because it shows how we all--in the face of courage--may make huge sacrifices. That's a real movie.

[@alucardvekkia3966]

2:55 lmaoo u can tell Kevin disliked the ending, he was like "yeah yeah...jeez, why are we filming this tho?"

[@jwiese100]

The original ending ultimately hammered the home the moto of rescue swimmers "that others my live"

[@Mikefrank333]

Both endings have their merits, I love how the ending tied in to the idea of a man under the sea who still saves people. Where as this ending almost feels like they were wrapping up the plot point of Kutcher’s character of him breaking all of Costner’s records and using his physical gifts to save people thus honoring his gift. Or I’m just over analyzing it lol.

[@TravelwithTasha393]

I remember watching this and tears were in my eyes!! such a great movie!!

[@angelosmortis3081]

i prefer the original ending

[@sadie13579]

Same the 2nd ending was boring and had no drama

[@angelosmortis3081]

sadie tucker Damn right....

[@dabichslap]

I like the original ending. It segways really nicely into the new Aquaman movie

[@Lehmann108]

Thank God this was never used. This would have been the Hallmark card version ending. The sacrifice of Costner's character, Ben, so Jake may live completely makes this a profoundly moving film, especially for men. Jake starts off as an arrogant asshole; basically a gifted child who doesn't get it. Ben brings Jake into manhood and his final sacrifice is the passing of the torch to Jake. All hero's must die. Even their death is heroic.

[@emilyroberts3832]

This. It was powerful, but I didn't want Randall to die at the end.

[@guilhermes4399]

I feel so much happier seeing this ending , watching his wife cry . Him losing his mentor . It just broke me when I watched the movie . At least this way Ik that he is alive and they are all happy enjoying a nice cook out

[@ambermcclellan6323]

Yes, the original ending had more impact and brought the movie full circle. This one's worth it just to hear Randall's laugh at the end. So, as a compromise, I watch the original ending first then the alternate ending just so I can say he's alive again. It might be cheating but it's still the best of both worlds. ;)

[@leonardolamanna5361]

Yes, I agree with you, moreover I can interpret this ending as a defeat for Randall... because in this case, Randall has been completely outscored by Fischer, who has just beated the last undefeated record of Randall, which was holding and saving a person only with the tip of 2 fingers. With this scenario, Fischer would be the new "Legend", who might overshadow Randall, in future; therefore the laugh of Randall would not be full of happiness, but a mix of remission, surrender and reliev, but absolutely not a laugh of happiness

[@emmamccorkle9524]

Although I'd rather have a happy ending, the original really hit it home.

[@hollefrau]

i prefer THIS! ABSOLUTELY!

[@boot358]

original ending for the win

[@marktice7476]

They should have done this ending

[@petert3355]

Nope, it showed Randall to be fallible in that he made the wrong choice.

[@papi019]

Wow when i watch that movie in 2008 i can't move on to that but now i may rest for worries about sacrificing. Thanks for recommending my browsing ❤.

[@joshuastrickland5705]

When I saw the original ending the other day I was literally yelling at my TV do not drop him and when Senior took his glove off I got so upset

[@Ghost_7rr]

although yes this would have been a happy ending, I still feel that the original is much more emotionally set. But if he hadn't of sacrificed himself then what's the point in calling the film 'The Guardian'? either way both endings are good, yet the original still comes out on top. 10/10 for film and acting!!

[@pook304]

I have to admit this ending barely edges the original ending out to me it does for the reasons for Ashton Kutchers character - Fischer the inner turmoil that ate at him in the movie the guilt harbored in his mind and heart for accidentally killing 3 friends when he was on top of the world at 18 to be a world champion swimmer and everything going for him. It to me is was a treat to see him hold on cause the original man WHEW this movie was a shot in the dark a random time I wanted to go and see a movie and this one I had no knowledge of youtube was in its infancy in 2006 and I didn't see a trailer on the net or TV I just seen it was a Kevin Costner film and felt it surely had to be a solid film and worth the watch Costner is a legend to me and Kutch was a bolster to the matter as well. The Guardian was riveting for me to see it in theater and it was one of 3 films to ever emotionally tear me up to shed some tears "I Won't Let Go!" His performance was so epic in this scene the shear will to hold on to his Captain's hand spite the fact it could cost him his life and he didn't even care and the pain that it was to hold a grown man by your finger tips with a hellasious storm and strong winds and certain death on the line if the line snaps to see the look in his eyes the portrayal of shear will and the heart of a hero Kutcher excellently and surprisingly was in league with Costner honestly didn't know he could act in such a momentous way. The emphasis of his past life's downfall and his willpower and the strength of a hero to hold on with no fear is epic either version but it could have been just as much satisfying for me if this had been the original cause it could sum up a huge shot of redemption for Jake afterwards and ease some of his grief over the accident that he had losing 3 friends this version would have been much satisfying to plus i hate to see Kevin Costner die damnit! Lol even in 3,000 miles to Graceland though may it be he was a ruthless and mean son of a bitch in the movie and made Elvis look like Scarface and Rambo in one sequence of a scene the ending to that movie was kick ass to he was cutting the swat teams down like crazy a barrage and storm of heavy artillery let loose by Kevin Costner is dope and badass hated to see him get shot up so I hate that he being the legendary Coast Guardian he was die in the original the impact was heavily emotional to me in the theater still to this day personally still a top 5 all time to me for movies.

[@kerrimabry3244]

With this ending the story loses its meaning because then he can't be "The Guardian" ...... Even though it was sad him dying is what made him the guardian!!!!

[@x-mensangel3567]

The guardian was already a legend before Ben’s death. Jake just associates Ben with the guardian, but the guardian legend already existed

[@mindylinky]

As much as the idea of them both living is nice, it does not show the sacrifices made by men like them

[@litholi9103]

I think this is a much better ending than the original. You still have the emotional impact from Randall willing to give his life to safe another, but you also have the feeling of success that Fischer understands the reality of giving your life for someone else. The original ending was too depressing, a bad ending to a good movie. The producers and executives got it wrong.........

[@1925jenny]

Love the movie! very touching! I dont think that there could have been two better actors to play the main characters. I love the movie the way it is, but i also like this ending cause he lives, while the first is more touching (i cried both times i've watched it lol) this is also a very good ending! I'm glad that someone made this movie with honering these brave people in mind! Before i seen this movie bout a month ago i had never put much thought into the sacrifice they face every day.

[@cgurl1012]

Please calm your farm. At least the director considered the impact of the original ending and shot this one to pacify viewers' differing reactions. To me and others who argue the original ending is better, our interpretation is that the film's about not being arrogant, learning about all the things that coast guards have to endure and finally, the huge [life-changing] sacrifices many of us may make at some point in our lives, for someone else/people we believe in.

[@leeryan1051]

USCG AST's are known within the Coast Guard and to many civilians as Guardians. If this ending was to be used instead of the original, then the movie title would be a more general meaning of all rescue swimmers within the Coast Guard.

[@eugenea.buckley3555]

Randall was coast guard intel under cover AK and he detected a dope distribution network evolving conex containers and truckers

[@jackd9382]

I'm happy they let the original play through. Though I hated seeing Costner sacrifice himself for the good of Kutcher, it kept the reality of what any good hero would do.

[@ladyvolschick3]

I like the one they used because this is real life, the ending when Ashton (Jake) is talking about a man that lives beneath the sea a fisher of men...it fits the way of this movie and this job... thank you to our AIRR Sailors and Guardsman I hope one day to also be a Navy AIRR

[@guarachero123321]

The published ending is emotive so much, but this one, is more emotive! Great movie!

[@65Rome]

This is a much better Ending , it's not so dissapointing, it makes sense, remember back in the movie Kevin Cosners legend of holding the man's hand for hours and never let go. Hollywood had to kill the ending, but this is The Guardian as it should be. Everyone Goes home happy.

[@destinycardenas4379]

The original ending is powerful I cry every time I watch it and this ending is beautiful but I see why they went with the original

[@ernestocritzmann8927]

That's a REAL ending! All the film is superb, but the original ending slips into the mystical . That is not the spirit of a rescue swimmer !

[@rcslyman8929]

When I was 10, I was on a trip to Florida and swimming in the Atlantic during close to sunset, during a low tide. I went out too far, got caught in a riptide effect and was being carried down the coastline toward the current headed out to sea. It was also toward a rock jut, and some fishermen were still there. One happened to spot me struggling in the water, and cast his line just out in front of me. Now, I was being tumbled about in the water, crashed on by waves from different directions and such, but I broke the surface just in time to catch sight of that fishing line in the rays of the setting sun. Reach out, caught it, and quite literally got reeled in. The theatrical release ending of The Guardian? Yeah. It delves a little into the mystical. But when you yourself have been saved by coincidence that borders on the miraculous, a drowning man in the freezing arctic seas hearing a voice telling him that he won't let go, isn't so far-fetched as one might think.

[@biggusdoggus5909]

This one is the ending to a good movie. The other one? It is the ending to a CLASSIC MOVIE.

[@queenashantee8432]

The original ending, follows a path linked to the whole story of new stories beginning in the lives of all the characters...the separation of Sen.Officer, the Beginning to Jake's new life and lover..... It fits nicely.....well done an thank you for loading a beautiful and thoughtful film of the lives of Coastguards worldlwide.....not just USA. They do risk their lives for us........Thank you ;-)

[@josias32898]

this is ending happy.

[@aaronhicks8096]

The original ending is better it makes you feel more sad

[@awesomeman8385]

What I don't like about this is that the line does hold. So he tried to sacrifice himself, but ends up just looking like he's insane

[@roywright100]

ppl need to realize that some times the Coast Guard lose men as well not always a happy ending with rainbows and lollipops!😞

[@Paytaycool-c7q]

He broke his record

[@peterowley2014]

Thank you so much for this ending ❤️ it's just as beautiful

[@TheKavorka]

I never thought I’d say this but Senior Chief should’ve unstrapped that fuckin glove and fell into the sea. I mean cause this way there is no guardian and that poor bastard at the end dies because there was no fisher of men, no last hope, no guardian.

[@sciomancy6]

If this was made in 2018, this would've been the ending. Thank God it wasn't.

[@kidoftheforce]

In a convoluted way, I think both endings would have made the movie fully complete and this probably wouldn't have left me in a state of shock as a teen. Heh...had they expanded on this ending a bit more, it would have been a nice full-circle kind of thing, with a happy ending. It's been a while since I saw this movie, and considering the actual ending, I probably won't add it to my DVD collection (I only legitimately bought the Star Wars 3 Audiobook, because it came with the Audiobooks of all of the other films, so that's saying something about what kind of movie person I am...), but all in all I think it would have made both Ben and Jake come full Circle, with Jake being on his way to be a Coastguard hero and also being responsible and capable Rescuer, breaking Bens records in the process, and Ben, who was a 'Guardian' for so many people, having a 'Guardian' of his own in Jake and being on the receiving end of the amazing feat that he performed. These things would also serve as a book-ending, concerning their regrets, about Ben losing his crew and Jake being the sole survivor of his swimming team.

[@madelynweathers2275]

There was a scene where the woman in the bar talked about how Senior Chief held onto a man for an incredibly long time, breaking nearly every tendon in his arm, holding on with just his finger tips. I thought if Fisch had done that, it would have made a good ending.

[@GRANDMAMYLENE]

the one in the movie PROVES that these people are willing to give their lives "SO OTHERS MAY LIVE" and that is the Coast Guards motto.

[@Shayne2517]

This needed to be the ending of the movie in theatres.

[@muhamadfirdaus8397]

thanks for the alternate ending..

[@sebacodpy6983]

this ending was for a perfect world

[@cgurl1012]

The power and message of the real ending beats this one by 100000000. I'm glad they stuck to the original one.

[@db8692]

fantastic movie very strong and powerful

[@shepherd_x]

whats everyone talking about he didnt die, hes up in Montana at the yellowstone!

[@OuchGrouch8587]

i do agree the one that in the movie make it a powerful yet somber movie ..... the only 2 other time ive shed a tear and do everytime i watch a cretian movie was { The Guardian - CG +plus never let go them ) { Taking Chance [ departing plane Salute- MC ) - (MASH goodbye ,farewell,Amen - AR [Sherman Salute / GOODBYE] Harkeye ) - {Tuskegee airman [we were requested] - AF ) Top Gun - Af /navy [ Goose }

[@chrisstetsko5020]

Definitely the uber-Happy ending Disney is notorious for.

[@ximenaderbedrosian3515]

The movie was great, but I'm always grateful with a happy ending.

[@Mrbluepilot12]

They had enough power in the end, Kevin losing his team, The Captain dying, That was enough, You dont need alot of power like this.. Its too much.

[@Sirpippo]

given that it is a very nice film but I never understood the end where it dies. couldn't he lower the helicopter, let go from a lower height and be recovered later?

[@cindybarnes7871]

Ask those guys about the reading the manual between the lines. Their rescues where honor leaves their egos at the door coming in where they do it not talk about it. And do it with the leastest of resources without complaining. Had Jesus been on the cross in front of them or anyone else these guys would have fought to get them back to safety. I heard an Air Force retiree say give credit where credit is due and these guys deserve credit. We want you in that helo we need you on that helo and thankfulness to that need not be a punchline at parties.

[@margalgym]

this is soo much better than the other ending.icried too muchh with the other one

[@CaviteChe]

This ending could still be integrated in future special rerelease, as kutcher's character snaps out of shock from their stressful situation.

[@mindylinky]

Me too-the original ending, though sad made sense for the way the movie was going.

[@anacampos4493]

Wow... Foi bom demais saber o subtenente sobreviveu... Mas... O final original é mais emocionante, embora seja triste. Que filamaço.

[@Koyakami]

The original ending was fantastic in the way it made the viewer feel towards their relationship and the distance the senior was willing to go in order to save another life. This ending would of been just as good, but I don't think it was directed too well and the acting wasn't as good as the rest of the movie. the cheesy line at the end, ashton would of been in a lot more pain concentrating on his hand and his arm. So I think that it could have been done so much better and still have a big impact on the viewer. Superb film and the United States Coast Guard are heroes. (Even I - from the UK, recognise this)

[@MotoMatt]

It makes no sense that senior chief tried to fall and then gets brought in. If they were gonna use this ending they would of had to scrap the bit about the line fraying all together.

[@EastonZyn]

They didn't even mention the captain being lost inside the hull of the ship, just kinda skipped right to the ending...Original ending is better but makes me feel worse

[@EastonZyn]

***** Lmao, I know that. They just pretended like he was a nobody, even though a SAR Techs life is more of a big deal, so is a civilian ):

[@EastonZyn]

***** You're a captain. How would you like it if I left you in the hull?

[@benjaminmanuere7054]

Very very courageous movie

[@lyndsiehull7388]

Both endings was awesome

[@mafd2810]

What would have been a great ending, is if Jake held on to Randall all the way back to base. Just like it was stated that Costner did in the beginning of the movie.

[@MsMimilala]

The original ending makes more sense cuz Randall said sometimes you have to shoot the hostage... in this case he was the weaker link... also if it ended like this they would've had to give Ashton a better line than "that was definitely not in the manual"... so lame after he just saved Randall's life...

[@CeltycSparrow]

MsMimilala He wasn't the weaker link. He was the link that chose to honor the code that they lived by...what they spend every day fighting for. Their motto is "So others may live". I don't think that mantra is meant exclusively for the people they rescue...it is meant for them as well. He saw that they were hanging on by a thread and he chose to sacrifice his life so that Jake could live. That doesn't make him weak it makes him a hero. I agree with you though...the ending they chose is stronger.

[@lisag5002]

I didn't know this existed until now. Both ending were good. The original is definitely more powerful. However the alternate ending symbolizes there doesn't have to tragedy wherever Jake goes. He had lost enough.

[@jpersonen98]

The other ending is more powerful. I stil want this one tho :'(

[@fireking9341]

not only that, but the original ending gave a major character development to Jake. Experiencing his first losses and growing more as a person.

[@x-mensangel3567]

@Fireking93 This was not Jake’s first loss, not by a long shot. He already lost his entire relay swim team in a fatal car accident. I like this ending better because it gives an already amazing hero a chance to start over.