Today’s quick review: In Bruges. After a job goes wrong, hitmen Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are sent to the picturesque town of Bruges, Belgium, to hide out and wait for their next assignment. While Ken takes in the sights, Ray strikes up a relationship with Chloe (Clemence Poesy), a worker on a local film crew. But when their temperamental boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) finally gets in touch, the hitmen balk at the orders he gives them.
In Bruges is a black comedy and crime drama from writer and director Martin McDonagh. In Bruges features witty dialogue, a pair of interesting leads, and a few beautiful moments. The movie stars Colin Farrell as Ray, a novice hitman struggling with guilt after his first assignment, and Brendan Gleeson as Ken, a laid-back and amiable veteran of the job. The two men play off each other well, demonstrating true friendship in spite of their differences.
In Bruges makes for an unusual comedy in that, for about half of the movie, there is not a lot going on. Ray and Ken are stuck in a small town with nothing much to do but chat, talk to the locals, and work through their personal issues. The main plot kicks in about halfway through the movie, at which point the pacing picks up some. But even then, In Bruges never drops its methodical storytelling, and even the action-heavy finale takes its time.
As a result, In Bruges is a much more grounded movie than its quirky sense of humor and criminal subject matter would suggest. Every time the story threatens to spiral into chaos, In Bruges pushes the focus back onto its characters. Over the course of the movie, Ray, Ken, and Harry are developed into nuanced, likable characters that give the movie a strong sense of heart and an organic source of humor.
In Bruges will not suit every palate. Depending on how the dialogue catches you, the humor can range from mildly amusing to hilarious. The movie has some action, but it is back-loaded and secondary to the plot. The moral themes are well-developed but visit some bleak places. But even taking these differences in taste into account, In Bruges is a movie that has a unique vision and executes it well.
Give In Bruges a shot if you enjoy thoughtful, unconventional comedies with a dark side to them. Skip it if you are looking for straight action or simple laughs. Those looking for a more dynamic movie with a similar tone should check out Seven Psychopaths by the same writer and director. Those looking for a punchier crime movie that goes heavier on the comedy should check out Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.
7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for strong characters, good dialogue, and excellent handling of emotion.