We Are Movie Geeks Review / 08.02.08

Source: We Are Movie Geeks

Two Irish hit men, Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson), spend time in Bruges, Belgium. They’ve just finished a “job” in London and are waiting to hear from their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes).

Now keep in mind, the previous statement isn’t really a summarization of the film. It’s just the set-up; the springboard for what becomes a surprisingly dark, often humorous look at mankind’s hypocrisies and atrocities.

I expected that there would be humor in this film, especially after seeing the trailer, and Farrell and Gleeson have a great chemistry. Bruges, itself, is a kind of running gag. Oh, and let’s not forget the dwarf American actor, Jimmy (Jordan Prentice), whose presence may seem like an attempt at a cheap joke, but becomes something else entirely.

I also expected a fair amount of violence, but got more than I thought I would. Serious violence with serious consequences, coupled with serious meditations on the nature of Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory. The film never beats you over the head, but it does present the audience with some interesting ideas.

There’s even a little romance between Ray and a Bruges local, Chloe (Clemence Poesy).

McDonagh’s film is at once very funny, frighteningly violent, and surprisingly tender. It can be a jarring combination, but it works, chiefly because the characters are so well written. This may be McDonagh’s first feature, but he’s an accomplished playwright and an Oscar winner for his short film, Six Shooter.

I feel like I should cut this review short, because I think this movie works if you go in knowing as little as possible. In Bruges is an experience, with its emotional hit men, dwarf actors, Dutch prostitutes, violence, and the emotional consequences that accompany all of it.

Enjoy.