Review of In Bruges (2008) by Doctor S — 02 Oct 2012

Most unusual film which I suppose would be classified as a comedy, if you are the poor clerk confused about where to shelve it at the rental store. Two hit men Ray and Ken bide their time in Bruges, Belgium and await further orders from their boss Harry. Ken (Brendon Gleeson) welcomes the opportunity to take in the picturesque preserved medieval city while Ray (Colin Farrell) fidgets and can't seem to avoid causing trouble with everyone he talks to. The story moves very slowly, thoughtfully, takes its time drinking in the surroundings and the lifestyles of the characters. We learn about their histories a little bit as well as the REAL sinister reason they are in Bruges, which hits like a hammer.

Terrific cast with Colin Farrell excellent as the miscreant Ray, and Ralph FIennes later steals the show in a superb, atypical turn as the foul-mouthed bastard of a boss Harry. But the real star here is a script filled with funny moments and interchanges, surprising twists and turns. Most movie hit men are dour and soulless - these hit men are human beings who process the consequences of their jobs and carry personal demons. They are suitably cut as shady figures, but some still harbor the power of redemption deep inside. I'd guess most people won't like the ending which strikes a more serious note, but I think is very fitting and offers the right amounts of both resolution and enigma - an ending in purgatory, if you will.