Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hilarious, a must see!, 13 May 2008
In Bruges is by far one of the best comedies I have seen in many years. It's original, different and highly entertaining. I was surprised it was so emotional but this only added to the quality of the film.
Farrell and Feinnes stand off is truly unique. Feinnes' performance is by far one of his finest comedic moments. In Bruges is a refreshing production, just what the doctor ordered! Any comedy fan will love this film. A definate must-see for any film fan.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Death in Venice of the North, 4 Nov 2008
Splendid performances by Colin Farrell, Brendon Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes as well as a solid story and magnificent cinematography lift this sometimes bloodstained film from the ranks of the ordinary thriller. Both Farrell and Gleeson's portrayals of paid assassins, in whom the charming canals, bridges, and gabled houses of Bruges engender a sense of conscience--and, ultimately, redemption--are worthy of Academy Awards; and Ralph Fiennes is also excellent in what for him constitutes an offbeat role as the unrelenting crime-boss who acts according to his own brutal code of conduct.
I was particularly struck by Farrell who plays a character that in less skilled hands might seem both whiny and unsympathetic; his moving portrayal demonstrates both his superlative skill and artistry as an actor (which were not evident in the material he was given in "Alexander the Great").
The cinematography, which focuses not only on the enchanting Belgian city--which rivals Amsterdam as the "Venice of the North"--but also on the magnificent art in its museum, provides an appropriate background for the story, in which the two assassins have come to Bruges for some special purpose, the nature of which they do not, at first, understand. The cinematographer has utilized the stark religiosity of the Flemish paintings, with their themes of torture and deliverance, to mirror the emotions of these unconventional protagonists.
Although the film has its comic moments, I think it does it a disservice to term it a dark comedy. It is more akin to a tragedy, the best of which use comedy to relieve the tension built up during the course of the action. While the film is certainly not for children, it is highly recommended for discerning adult viewers who want more than simplistic action and car-chases in their thrillers.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hilarious, Clever, Superb., 27 May 2008
A pretty self-explanatory title sets the premise here, well almost. Two hit men Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are hiding out in Bruges after a hit that went horribly wrong and has terrible ramifications for one of these men. Following orders from a mysterious mob boss by the name of Harry, portrayed brilliantly by Ralph Fiennes the two hit men must make do in the city described as "something out of a fairytale" or as Ray summed it up "maybe that's what hell really is, to spend eternity in Bruges". It would be cruel of me to divulge too much of the plot so all Ill say is that this movie is easily the smartest, and hilarious laugh out loud comedies/dramas I can remember seeing. How the director manages to take a story about two men struggling to deal with the emotional baggage and the quite simply the guilt that comes with their profession, and combine it with totally appropriate moments of sheer comic genius mixed with nearly absurd passages, for instance the dwarf scene, enough said is quite an achievement. As is the way you begin too feel great sympathy for a group of not so ruthless killers who go to extraordinary lengths to simply stick by their principals. As one would expect the characters are a colourful bunch, Farrell getting up to or at least trying to get up to some mischievousness, or simply saying like it is, (American tourists beware). Then there's Ken trying to find some harmony in the surroundings and immerse himself in the culture and art of Bruges and in the process dragging a very reluctant Ray along with him. Then we have a string of interesting supporting characters, such as Chloë, Rays love interest, played by Clémence Poésy, (who was in "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire") and the Jimmy the dwarf (Jordan Prentice)
Drugs, Sex, attempted suicide, botched hits, karate chopping scenes, perceptive drug fuelled thoughts on life, and a very meaningful dare I say grown up story which provides endless laughs but plenty of thoughts after its all over. The amazing cinematography along with all the talk about Bruges (whether or not the city is portrayed accurately or not is a matter of opinion) really makes the city itself become a character and a score that's not haunting but manages to convey the films darker tone perfectly. In Bruges is a brilliant mix of dark comedy and real human problems which manage to get the best out of a talented cast (easily the best performance I have seen from Colin Farrell). Needless to say a Film this brilliant will not end up being predictable or revert to formula, no it stays interesting and manages to surprise the viewer right up until the films griping conclusion. A fascinating character study filled with meaning and hilarity all the way, this is easily one of the best films so far this year. See it.
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