Review of In Bruges (2008) by Jamie I — 26 Jun 2016

In Bruges has everything you ever wanted in a film: midgets, gay beer, "elephants," hitmen, swans, the blood of Jesus Christ, karate chops and alcoves ("alcoves...nooks and crannies").

 Colin Farrell, Ray, begins the film with narration telling us that he's going to Bruges.  He doesn't even know where Bruges is.  (It's in Belgium).  The title of the film stems from the fact that not only does the film take place "in Bruges" but the phrase "in Bruges" is uttered numerous times throughout.

 Might make for a fun drinking game if you're the type.  It's hard to put this film in a category.  It is a drama?  A comedy?  Is it a comedy that has some dramatic moments?  Is it a drama that has some funny parts.

 Regardless this film yo-yos between very off color comedy and very serious moments.  It's often intertwined.  So while you're trying to feel that gut wrenching feeling for Ray he again states the laughter inducing query, people actually like Bruges?  That emotional rollercoaster was the only thing that didn't sit well with me.

 We learned through inferences that Ray has done something terrible.  It doesn't take long to learn what he did but yes he did indeed do something terrible.  He holes up in Bruges with Ken (Brenden Gleeson) and they are to wait until Harry calls.

 Ken actually likes Bruges dragging the reluctant Ray on a historical tour.  Our first encounter with Harry (Ralph Fiennes), who plays his role from behind the telephone or "inanimate object," is a telegraph littered with the fuck word.

 "Number one why aren't you in when I fucking told you to be in.  You better fucking be in when I fucking call again or they'll be fucking hell to pay.  I'm fucking tellin' ya.

"  Harry is cold, ruthless, unfeeling; after all he is a hitman.  And when he shows up it is without a doubt for blood.  Colin Farrell is known as an actor without much range.  Bruges definitely allows Farrell to show us there's more to him as an actor.

 And despite the fact that there are no likeable characters in this movie Farrell's performance actually makes you care about his character.  If you can get past the ill at ease feeling the drama intermixed with comedy give you then I say go see In Bruges especially if you want to see Colin Farrell actually act.

 Plus, it's fucking funny.