Review of In Bruges (2008) by Jacob H — 01 Apr 2013

Hilarious with a great cast.

Martin McDonagh's In Bruges is the story of two Dublin hitmen Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson). After a messy hit in London, Ray and Ken are forced to go lay low in Bruges, Belgium, as they nervously wait to hear from their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes). Whilst in Bruges, Ray is struggling to deal with the guilt of what happened in London, yet still having enough time to comment on the state of the architecture, the tourists and a particular dwarf.

In Bruges is an interesting take on the life of a hitman, with much of the film consumed with these two burly guys trolling aimlessly around Bruges. The city becomes a running joke throughout the film, with both men frustrated with the lack of information from back home and being stuck with each other for a prolonged period of time. Colin Farrell is back to something of his best as he portrays a man consumed with paranoia and frustration, giving a highly believable performance. Brendan Gleeson is also on good form as the interplay between the two lead actors creates moments of great comedy.

What makes this film more than just great acting performances is the great script. Martin McDonagh produces dialogue worthy of Tarantino in this quick and snappy comedy-drama. He creates comedy that looks so easy with his main characters spending much of the film simply walking around Bruges.

An hugely entertaining comedy but strongly based in its dialogue.

J.Henderson.

7.5/10.