Review of In Bruges (2008) by Luke P — 05 Sep 2012

A black comedy from writer/director Martin McDonagh, who won an Oscar for his short film Six Shooter (2004). He returns with this pitch black comedy-thriller, which focuses on tourist mannerisms and the nature of soul-searching. This has hitmen Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) who after a hit gone wrong after told by their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes), to stay in the history Belgian city of Bruges and await further instructions, Ken is very hopeful about the city, but Ray couldn't give a toss about the picturesque beauty of Bruges, he didn't even know where it was originally. Soon, they become used to the local customs and sights of the city, but it's not very quiet for long, especially when Harry calls Ken, and demands he puts a hit out on Ray after what happened. This is a very good film, it balances it's dark moments out with some very funny moments. It's got some funny dialogue and good performances, plus Bruges looks lovely, it almost feels a tad Coenesque in places, but McDonagh is most certainly a director to keep an eye on!!

A black comedy from writer/director Martin McDonagh, who won an Oscar for his short film Six Shooter (2004). He returned with this pitch black comedy-thriller, which focuses on tourist mannerisms and the nature of soul-searching, in a foreign, otherworldly town. It's a comedy of no-manners and very strong language, but there's something oddly touching and uplifting about this film. This has hitmen Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) who after a hit gone wrong, being told by their foul-mouthed boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes), to stay in the historical Belgian city of Bruges and await further instructions, Ken is very hopeful about the city, but Ray couldn't give a toss about the picturesque, fairytale-style beauty of Bruges, he didn't even know where it was originally. Soon, they become used to the local customs and sights of the city, even making friends with local drug dealer Chloë (Clà (C)mence Poà (C)sy) and American dwarf actor Jimmy (Jordan Prentice). But it's not very quiet for long, especially when Harry calls Ken, and demands he puts a hit out on Ray after what happened, Ken has a very tough decision to make. This is a very good film, it balances it's dark moments out with some very funny moments. It's got some funny dialogue and good performances, plus Bruges looks lovely, it almost feels a tad Coenesque in places, but McDonagh is most certainly a director to keep an eye on.