In Bruges [DVD] [2008]

When reviewing a movie, you can generally get away with describing the first act; then the established situation changes and you're into spoiler territory. That point is usually about twenty minutes in but with this one it would be better for me to go no further than five.

After performing a job for their boss (Ralph Fiennes), a pair of hitmen (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson) are sent to Bruges to await further instructions. And that's about as much of the plot as I can safely relate, since the ensuing narrative takes many a turn but does a great job of keeping you riveted throughout.

This is by no means an action thriller; although there are scenes where the tempo increases, it's a mostly character-driven comedic crime drama. Farrell and Gleeson are given some brilliant dialogue by writer-director Martin McDonagh, their interplay reminiscent of Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta in Pulp Fiction.

The Blu-ray boasts a state-of-the-art transfer with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 in English or Canadian French. Subtitles are similar with the addition of Latin American Spanish. Sensitive viewers beware: the three protagonists don't hold back when it comes to profanities.

I came to this with little expectation other than a recommendation from a friend, which I can now happily pass on. If you happen to be at a loose end for a couple of hours, you would be well-rewarded by spending them In Bruges (which, for the record, is in Belgium).

Totally agree with the previous two reviewers. This is a film that deserves to be seen by loads of people, as it is truly hilarious!

Granted, it might not be everyone's cup of tea, as there is the odd bit of violence, and the humour is very dark and often non-PC. But hey, we're all adults right!? And anyway, one thing that surprises a little as the film unfolds is that it does actually have some morality at it's heart, as we witness Colin Farrell's character regret his past actions, and Brendan Gleesan's character see a chance for Farrell to find redemption.

The two leads are fantastic - with good chemistry - delivering the many amusing one liners with aplomb, as are the supporting cast, with Ralph Fiennes putting in a performance that will recall Sir Ben Kinsley chewing up the scenery in "Sexy Beast", and the midget (the character Ray's term, not mine!!! I can't seem to see his name on imdb) sending himself up in a manner that you will never forget.

Bruges itself is also a character in the film of course, and despite Ray's constant funny put downs of the place, it looks beautiful. So much so in fact that I now plan to go sometime...I just hope there's no Irish hitmen seeking refuge there when I do!

Great film, recommended.

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.