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Reviews of In Bruges
A Dark Comedy To Be Remembered.
Posted : 8 months, 3 weeks ago on 2 April 2009 08:06
(A review of In Bruges)In Bruges tells the story of two hitmen; Ray (Farrell) and Brendan Gleeson. They just finished up a big job, and are sent on a "retreat" by their boss (Fiennes) to little town called Bruges (located in Belgium).
Hilarious mishaps occur, as secrets are uncovered, and tons of twists and turns get in the way of a nice so-called vacation for these two hitmen. Their boss is meanwhile eager to have them both killed, which creates a lot more tension.
This flick is filled with everything you could ask for. Great acting, an intense shootout, and excellent comedy. I won't spoil the ending for you, but it's worth multiple viewings. Viewer discretion is advised however.
In Bruges will be sure to have an impact on you, whether it be massive laughter, feelings for the characters, or in complete awe of how entertaining it is. I can't recommend this film anymore. One of the best of 2008.
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In Bruges review
Posted : 10 months, 2 weeks ago on 14 February 2009 09:39
(A review of In Bruges)Great movie. The story is nice, the actors are good and funny but... too much blood. Wich is good if you like that. That's not something negative, cause it's not in a trashy way. It's well done and it catches your attention. And well, I love irish accent.
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Surprisingly good
Posted : 11 months, 1 week ago on 17 January 2009 04:50
(A review of In Bruges)Black comedy at it's best here! I didn't know what to expect when I started this, but it turned out to be a very funny, yet very believable film. A rare, but great balance of humour and action, with some very realistic and believable characters. I recommend this fully!
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In Bruges, has the last laughs, dark side...
Posted : 1 year, 2 months ago on 26 October 2008 09:28
(A review of In Bruges)''I grew up in Dublin, and I love Dublin. If I had grown up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might impress me. But I didn't, so it doesn't.''
Sent to and staying In Bruges, Belgium after a difficult job, two hit men reconcile with each other after a Job in the past goes wrong. Things get complicated as their boss gives the call for his latest order...
Colin Farrell: Ray
Brendan Gleeson: Ken
Ralph Fiennes: Harry
May i start by saying In Bruges is the best black comedy from the British Isles this year currently, which is like our equivalent of Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang except In Brudges mixes that with emotion, shocking events that transpire and a level of Drama that can only be pulled off by English/UK actors.
Ralph Fiennes as Harry doesn't even appear till the 2nd act and before he's even on screen, his letter, his phone call elevate the film into the stratosphere and beyond injecting a demented dark humour thats already present in the mix. His London accent and his teeth! Two things that instantly prove to me what a chameleon Ralph truly is and definitely a talent for playing a villain as well as a hero in films. He's a pleasure to watch in this, his character Harry(Ironic i know) makes his Lord Voldemort in the Potter series seem abit of a pussy.
Colin Farrell as the troubled protagonist Ray who wants to go out drinking and merry making, as the story goes on we found out a terrible revelation that will shock and cause emotion involving a priest and a boy.
His one liner's will crack a smile out of audiences, his Irish tones made me feel at home right away.
Brendan Gleeson as Ken also deserves a mention for his thoughtful depiction of a character who has a love of history, moralistic and also a good sparring partner for Colin cracking jokes that appeal to your dark side.
A Midget, Prostitutes, a fight in a restaurant, Ray annoying Ken with his light turning on antics as he returns home late, Harry having a elevated fit of rage in front of his family, an explosive conclusion of shoot out proportions and piano playing accompaniment that is a refreshing add to all the chaotic happenings...What more could you want to fulfill all that you desire in a film.
In Bruges ends the best way a film heaven doth allow, which is it doesn't really have an end, it leaves it up to your imagination to conclude what happens...
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I heart Bruges
Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 18 September 2008 11:29
(A review of In Bruges)This film is both funny and deep, a rare occurrence in today's cinematic climate. Martin Mcdonagh on his debut makes a great case for more playwrights stepping into film. He and the cast handle the dark themes of guilt and atonement with as much ease as the films many comedic moments. There are a few belly laughs to be had from Colin Farrell's dialogue alone. In Bruges is guaranteed to offend some people, you may be one of those people but the film doesn't care. It just keeps on entertaining until the credits roll. Probably my favourite of this year so far.
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Terrifically entertaining black comedy!
Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 1 September 2008 03:11
(A review of In Bruges)"After I killed him, I dropped the gun in the Thames, washed the residue off me hands in the bathroom of a Burger King, and walked home to await instructions. Shortly thereafter the instructions came through - "Get the fuck out of London, you dumb fucks. Get to Bruges." I didn't even know where Bruges fucking was."
Highly acclaimed Irish playwright Martin McDonagh accomplishes his feature film debut with the fantastic In Bruges. McDonagh served as both writer and director for this poignant, powerful morality narrative that merges equal quantities of humour and pathos. It seems McDonagh has a fondness for unrelenting violence and brutality, not to mention vibrantly-drawn characters that are predominantly contemptible.
In Bruges is an extraordinarily well-written story that never loses you during its slightly excessive running time. It's an ardently character-driven drama that draws palpable influence from the works of Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino. McDonagh himself even stated that Nicholas Roeg's 1973 film Don't Look Now was among his inspirations while penning his screenplay. On that note the film isn't for all tastes, in fact the violence is hard-hitting and blood is splashed around with sickening realism. There's also sufficient profanity to rival Martin Scorsese! Yet, despite the insalubrious nature of the film's proceedings there's a deep, expressionistic character study lying beneath.
McDonagh has always been talented in creating fascinating, multi-faceted stories in his successful Irish plays. Not to mention his dialogue is clever, engaging and frequently encompass very subtle humour. However, the playwright also displays competency as a director. His script was already extremely effective, but he provides additional assurance for a successful script-to-screen transformation by taking the helm. As a result of McDonagh's directing the film is suitably intense, compelling, entertaining yet also emotionally-affecting. The product is a terrific, provocative black comedy with surprising depth.
Ray: "Bruges is a shithole."
Ken: "Bruges is not a shithole."
Ray: "Bruges is a shithole."
Ken: "Ray, we only just got off the fucking train! Could we reserve judgement on Bruges until we've seen the fucking place?"
In Bruges is permeated with three indelible characters - four if you count the quaint Belgian medieval town in which the film takes place. McDonagh chooses for the film to track two Irish hit-men: Ken (Gleeson) and Ray (Farrell). Said Irishmen are ordered by gangster kingpin Harry (Fiennes) to leave London immediately when Ray's latest hit ends with devastating consequences. Harry sends the two to the well-preserved medieval town of Bruges until he provides further instructions. Haunted with recurring memories of what he did, Ray is profoundly unimpressed with the tourist attractions on offer and finds the town excruciatingly boring.
"If I grew up on a farm and was retarded, Bruges would impress me," Ray whinges. "But I didn't, so it doesn't."
Ken takes advantage of the trip as he spends his time revelling in the fascinating locations and serenity of the town. He acts as a father figure to Ray, trying to let him forget about the past by introducing him to the culture of Bruges. Their experiences progressively grow more surreal as they encounter weird locals, violent medieval art, and potential romance for Ray in the form of Chloë (Poésy) who's working on the production of a European art film featuring racist American midget Jimmy (Prentice).
The real strengths of In Bruges are abundant. First of all, McDonagh allots the film's first half to developing his characters. Moreover, the engaging dialogue creates thoroughly entertaining viewing. It's McDonagh's gift for language that makes this film distinctively succulent. The writer-director even integrates a scene from the classic Orson Welles 1958 movie Touch of Evil to signify where he's at in terms of crime drama, essentially warning a viewer about the rug that's about to be pulled out from under them. In Bruges doesn't concern the narrative logic espoused by television...it's about injuries inflicted on the human heart. McDonagh also peppers the happenings with a child's death, graphic violence, drug use, politically incorrect witticism, irreverent remarks and adequate profanities to fill numerous Rob Zombie movies. The edginess nonetheless is never affected. In Bruges is an energetically character-fuelled tale that seldom misses its mark.
The skilful merging of genres should also be lauded. Throughout the entire duration there's definite dark comedy emerging. This comedy is very subtle, such as the witty dialogue or the amusing scenarios McDonagh has plonked his protagonists into. The second half speeds things up slightly, leaving the audience with a shocking conclusion. It is a testament to McDonagh's screenwriting that such plentiful cleverness never bogs the film into being a self-reflexive intellectual goof. Far from it, in fact. Anchored by Carter Burwell's magnificently melancholy score, In Bruges is an emotional and pungent drama/comedy complete with a lean script and lurid characters. The recurring motif of a fairy-tale is also extremely effective. A viewer should easily find themselves immersed in McDonagh's incredible world, and at the end you'll be so emotionally attached that you'll be left wanting more. This is quality filmmaking, and this standard is rarely seen in an ocean of contemporary tongue-tied Hollywood claptraps.
However it could have done with a trim. It's never boring and you'll be sad when it's over, but it still sometimes feels a tad excessive. Also, it's sometimes hard to suspend your disbelief. Like wondering when the cops will show up during a ballet of bullets, or when someone leaps off a bell tower. Any sirens? Not at all. What about someone driving a boat that doesn't appear to mind when a gun-shot is discharged and a passenger is lethally wounded? A train stopping for a police check in an isolated spot where there couldn't possibly be roads? Silly stuff for sure...still, you'll be entertained enough to overlook this.
At the centre of the film, the performances are absolutely remarkable. Colin Farrell redeems himself for all prior misdoings. After misfiring in such films as Alexander, it was a perfect move to team him up with McDonagh. Farrell's acting is so convincing that words fail me. He competently submerges himself into the character. The emotional edge Farrell brings to his portrayal at times (through either narration or character interaction) is amazing. In one particular scene, Farrell breaks down about the accidental bloodshed in London. Also, Farrell at times is like a child who's reluctant to sight-see. This amusing persona keeps us interested in the character.
Brendan Gleeson also puts forth a believable portrayal. We've never seen Gleeson of this standard before. He's a great father figure for Farrell's Ray as well. At times Gleeson will almost have you in tears.
Ralph Fiennes doesn't appear (we do hear his voice a few times, though) until the second half. He's a psychopathic marvel as the ferocious, relentless gangster kingpin with little affection for anyone ("You're an inanimate fucking object!" he screams at his wife at one stage).
The chemistry between the leads is sensational. Gleeson and Farrell are the unfortunate odd couple who periodically seem displeased to be in each other's company. Then there's Fiennes who appears to like the protagonists, but favours his principals even higher.
"There's a Christmas tree somewhere in London with a bunch of presents underneath it that'll never be opened. And I thought, if I survive all of this, I'd go to that house, apologize to the mother there, and accept whatever punishment she chose for me. Prison...death...didn't matter. Because at least in prison and at least in death, you know, I wouldn't be in fuckin' Bruges. But then, like a flash, it came to me. And I realized, fuck man, maybe that's what hell is: the entire rest of eternity spent in fuckin' Bruges."
Overall, In Bruges is definitely among 2008's best movies. I doubt anyone expected Martin McDonagh's film debut to be this terrific. Similar to his renowned plays such as The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Pillowman, etc, there's interesting characters and dialogue that's effortless to enjoy. The dialogue feels naturalistic and is loaded with profanity. Without the profanity the film couldn't have made the profound impact it was aiming for. We swear at work, we swear in everyday speech...it reveals character. For the most part we're meant to abhor these men due to their disgusting actions.
All in all the film is haunting and hypnotic in addition to being extremely good entertainment. As it is, McDonagh - with the help of an outstanding cast - has fashioned a knockout movie that I highly recommend.
9.1/10
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In Bruges - Do Not Miss this Film
Posted : 1 year, 4 months ago on 16 August 2008 10:50
(A review of In Bruges)In Bruges is a delightful action comedy starring actors Ralph Fiennes, Colin Farrell, and Brendon Gleeson.
The film begins when two assassins, Farrell and Gleeson, are sent to Bruges, Belgium on boss's orders (Fiennes) after Farrell's character, Ray, accidentally kills a child in addition to his main target.
I admire this film specifically because of the 360 degree view you receive of the characters. Ray is a complete cynic which is only increased as he struggles to come to terms with his grave mistake. His vulgar and pessimistic comments are sometimes offensive, sometimes hilarious, but he never strays from his true character. A warning, however - he has a ridiculous contempt for Americans, and a lot the film's major jokes are about this contempt. I'm American, however, and I found it to be quite hilarious, and the film never uses it as a representation of their own view points, but rather about Ray's own faults and misguided judgements.
Gleeson's character, Ken, is a lovable man who falls in love with the town of Bruges because it is the most well-preserved medieval town in the country. He attempts to get Ray interested as well, but gives up quickly and declares Ray to be "the worst tourist". Still, Ray begrudgingly follows Ken despite his overwhelming desire to head to the nearest pub.
As the movie progresses, however, their bosses true intention of sending them to Bruges is revealed, and when Ken discovers this, the action of the movie begins.
The film does fall into the trap of having Ray meet a girl in Bruges, but even this romance allows for great jokes that make the expected fling worthwhile. And being an action film, it does have various unrealistic scenes of violence that in the real world are practically unfathomable - but the almost perfect comedy allows us to forgive them for it.
I would definitely not pass this film up, as it is a completely original film that raises the bar on action/comedy.
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