In Bruges

In Bruges

Director: Martin McDonagh

Screenplay: Martin McDonagh

2008

Close to about two years ago, a very good friend of mine who is cultured in European History and very fond of Europe, sent a recommendation to watch a movie called “In Bruges.”  I gladly accepted, watched the film, and was very pleasantly surprised by what I had discovered.  Bruges, Belgium is not a typical European city that most people would be thrilled to visit.  Most American focus on the popularity and history of Paris or Rome.  However, after viewing “In Bruges,” I had an immediate desire to visit.  

“In Bruges” is a film about two hitmen Ray and Ken (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson) who are forced to hide out in Bruges, Belgium after a hit goes terribly wrong in their home city of Dublin.  Ray accidently shoots a young altar boy after the assassination of a Priest, so Ray and Ken are sent to Bruges by their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) and told to await further instruction. Throughout the film, each tries to deal with the harsh reality of their choice of profession, ponder each’s reason for living, and hope to find retribution in the city of Bruges.  As the movie progresses, we learn that Ken has been ordered to take out Ray by the boss Harry, because the killing of a child is so harsh and unforgivable that it must be done.  

The stars of the film (Farrell and Gleeson) do a remarkable job carrying the work load of the film with their witty dialogue and hysterical interactions with each other and the locals of Bruges.  Farrell, in my opinion, really comes into his own during this movie.  The film is a comedy, drama, action/adventure, and fantasy picture all rolled into one.  I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who is a fan of Europe, quick dialogue, and character studies.  

3.5/4