An out-and-out classic.
“Ken, I grew up in Dublin. I love Dublin. If I grew up on a farm and was retarded, Bruges might impress me but I didn’t, so it doesn’t” – Ray.
There are some films that just speak to you. You don’t know why, you don’t know how but for some magical reason, it’s almost like a screenwriter and director have delved into your own subconscious and created the perfect film that you’ve been itching to see. In Bruges is that film.
As an Irishman, a large part of the film’s appeal is due to the worldview of its talented writer-director, Martin McDonagh. As you may know, McDonagh was born in London to Irish parents and it’s this ability to perfectly capture the complexities, outlook and utter lunacy that defines the Irish psyche that makes In Bruges so great.
It’s also worth noting that in this era of PC-friendly films, McDonagh’s film stands out because it’s the complete opposite. Midgets (Ray’s word), fat people, hookers, hitmen, skinheads, loud tourists, gangsters, drug dealers, gay beers, Chinese lollipop men, Americans, Canadians, Vietnamese people and Tottenham are all insulted at some point but the genius of In Bruges isn’t the laughs, it’s the pathos and humanity.
Ok, what’s it about? Guilt-stricken after a job gone wrong, hitman Ray and his partner await orders from their ruthless boss in Bruges, Belgium, the last place in the world Ray wants to be.
Balancing drama and comedy is a supremely difficult thing to do and it’s a testament to the superb performances of Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell that 10 years after its release, In Bruges still resonates and makes you laugh and think in equal measure.
Looking at things objectively, we really shouldn’t like these characters. They’re ruthless and violent murderers but christ almighty, who wouldn’t want to spend time in their company?
Gleeson has always been an actor of tremendous integrity, humanity, and substance and he channels all of these qualities while playing the world-weary and protective Ken. As People Magazine said in their review: “Gleeson reminds us that the best acting always looks like no acting at all.”
On the other side of this is Farrell’s wonderfully anarchic, stroppy and child-like performance as Ray. Channeling his best Father Dougal impression, Farrell has never been better on screen as he balances the bellyaching laughs with some soul-crushing lows in this award-winning performance.
It’s nearly been a decade since In Bruges was released and only The Guard – directed by Martin McDonagh’s brother, John Michael – has managed to come close to capturing this warped, hilarious and depressingly accurate take on the world.
Laughter and sadness are rarely far apart, In Bruges understands this better than most.
These critics agree:
Express – “Gleeson is a delight and Farrell gives his best performance in ages, capturing both the unrepentant philistine and endearing vulnerability at war in the tormented Ray.”
Wall Street Journal – “I never expected to be moved by In Bruges, but I was.”
USA Today – “It is easily one of the best debut feature films in recent memory. The notion of a pair of hit men cooling their heels as they’re forced to play tourist in a picture-postcard town is clever enough. But as the story unspools, it grows more intriguing.”
LA Times – “In Bruges manages to toy with cliche while avoiding it entirely.”
Since being added to Netflix, it’s clear that very few films can incite such love and reverence.
Public Service Announcement: In Bruges is on @Netflix pic.twitter.com/oEvCq0tBSo
— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) December 4, 2017
IF YOU'RE IN THE UK AND HAVE NETFLIX, STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND WATCH IN BRUGES
— katie | 🗡️#FFVIIRebirth🗡️ | 🎬🎬🎬 (@TestSubjectNerd) December 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/ciarannorrr/status/937806532426821632
In Bruges is on Netflix. All is well.
— Aidan Cooper (@TheActiniums) December 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/RohanWolsey/status/937180514225618944
https://twitter.com/imkylenotliam/status/937386522420137984
https://twitter.com/mrjammyjamjar3/status/937314653406945281
