| Feature | The Bodyguard (1992 film) | The Bodyguard 2004 (TV series) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Romantic Thriller / Musical | Wuxia / Political Revenge Drama | | Setting | Modern-day Miami | Ancient Song Dynasty China | | Protagonist | Frank Farmer (ex-Secret Service) | Guo Jin (disgraced constable) | | Threat | Obsessive stalker | Corrupt imperial eunuch & army | | Iconic Prop | A gun holster | A broken iron sword | | Ending | Ambiguous (they don't end up together, but hopeful) | Tragic (absolute loneliness) |
The Bodyguard (2004) was never destined for mainstream success. It received a whisper-quiet DVD release, mostly in Asia and Europe, and quickly vanished into the bargain bins. However, in the age of streaming and niche film forums, it has found a small, devoted cult following. For fans of “old school” kung fu, it is a final ember of a fire that had already died. It is a film that cares more about the angle of a punch than the angle of a close-up. the bodyguard 2004