In Bruges
That's one thing I like about Europe, though. You don't have to learn any of their languages. - Ray
In Bruges is a British comedy/action film about two hitmen waiting in the last medieval city in the world. They aren’t sure what they’re waiting for, either their next job or punishment for sins. The two men handle the waiting differently. Ken(Brendan Gleeson) relaxes; enjoying the tourist sights and marveling at the city and what’s included within. Ray(Colin Farrell), the younger of the men, can’t stand Bruges, he spends his days getting pissed, waving at midgets on horse tranquilizers, and hitting on or offending the locals, Americans, Canadians and anyone he comes in contact with.
That's one thing I like about Europe, though. You don't have to learn any of their languages. - Ray
In Bruges is a British comedy/action film about two hitmen waiting in the last medieval city in the world. They aren’t sure what they’re waiting for, either their next job or punishment for sins. The two men handle the waiting differently. Ken(Brendan Gleeson) relaxes; enjoying the tourist sights and marveling at the city and what’s included within. Ray(Colin Farrell), the younger of the men, can’t stand Bruges, he spends his days getting pissed, waving at midgets on horse tranquilizers, and hitting on or offending the locals, Americans, Canadians and anyone he comes in contact with.
The movie itself is brash, unapologetically offensive, and graphic. If you’re easily offended, hate swearing and don’t want to see Americans depicted as fat, Yankees-cap-wearing assholes, then skip this film. However, if you have thick skin, a good sense of humor, a love for dark comedy then pick this film up and enjoy the witty banter. It’s terribly hilarious and grotesquely saddening. Be warned: for all its humor the movie’s far from feel good. The movie is an absurd satire of a million things I couldn’t even begin to address and I’d hate to spoil for you. It is heavy on themes, which you’ll see me talk about often. I blame it on the over-thinking, lit major inside me. The movie deals primarily with nobility and honor. While these men murder for a living those two ideals are paramount to their understanding of the world. Each man is torment by the innocent men that they’ve killed while on the job. The biggest question posed during the movie: Is redemption possible?
After you get done watching it you might find yourself wanting to be in Bruges. If only you knew where it was.
I watch In Bruges at least once a year, it’s on a select list of films with Brick and Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang and Mallrats. The reason it made this list is because of how engaging the characters are.
Characters seem easy to create. Until you try to write one. As a failing writer, I’ve tried to write compelling and different characters that draw the reader, or viewer, in - I can’t. They’re always the same person, just with a different hat. Not the case with In Bruges, every single person who steps into frame is given a personality and traits that belong to them alone. Even throwaway characters, like the guy who sells them guns, is developed and fleshed out in the two minutes he’s on the screen. Every character is lovable in their own right and each one unique, it is easy to see their motivations and drivers in a natural way that I can only hope to someday imitate.
In Bruges has everything I like in a movie. It’s ideal for people who love witty dialogue, action, and racist dwarfs. It’s a fun film, with a depth that most don’t have and it’s one of my all time favorites.
After you get done watching it you might find yourself wanting to be in Bruges. If only you knew where it was.
-Josh
In Bruges (IMDB)
Directed by:Martin McDonagh
Starring:Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes
