“In Bruges” is an eclectic mix of dark humor, gun slinging action, unconventional romance, and twisted drama with a few oddball fantasy scenes thrown in – probably the only way to go about the story of two London-based hitmen sent to vacation in Bruges, Belgium while their boss attempts to clean up their latest job, which after a horrible turn of events, results in the death of an innocent young boy.
The phenomenal cast includes some of the best actors in the business, all of whom play their characters without fault – Colin Farrell as Ray, the perpetual pessimistic screw-up who can’t even seem to adequately fulfill his career as a hired killer; Brendan Gleeson as Ken, his wise, otherworldly partner who just wants to enjoy a much-needed vacation; Ralph Fiennes as Harry, their raging, psychotic gangster hell-bent on enforcing his rules onto his murderous employees; and Clemence Poesy as Chloe, the beautiful and snarky actress who Ray falls for. (Or for those not so good with names, that’s Alexander, Mad-Eye Moody, Voldemort and Fleur Delaceur).
The acting is not the only stand out point of the film. The cinematography manages to highlight Bruges as the magical European city that it is, focusing on its historical architecture and beautiful canals, as well as provide a dreary background for its sad, tired, and confused characters. The charming script of “In Bruges” is also to be praised, easily seguing from edgy suspense to horrifying dread, all while somehow managing to keep the film light (or as light as a film about the murder of a child can be) and filled with multiple laughs.
Perhaps the biggest feat to applaud “In Bruges” for is its ability to keep a triage of characters, who otherwise would be considered despicable in real life, so likable that the audience is continually rooting for them to not only escape their doomed fates but also find their own happiness. This accomplishment can be shared with the film’s smart writing as well as the applauded performances from the cast.
“In Bruges” is so smart and charming, it is one of the rare movies I could find myself watching again and again – and for that it receives 4/5 stars.