In Bruges

“On a job? In Bruges? In Bruges? On a job?” One of, if not the best black comedies ever made, has gritty, quick-witted, multi layered characters set in the tranquil and quaint medieval city of Bruges. What starts as a confusing setting ends up providing the perfect backdrop for the characters arc. Bruges provides a stunning backdrop for the film and lays the perfect foundation for the morose calamity that they fell into. This sense of dread is buoyed by the clever writing of director Martin McDonagh, and the spot on acting of Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes.

When hitman Ray (Colin Farrell) falls into trouble, he is sent with his partner Ken (Brendan Gleeson) to Bruges by their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes). The young Ray is quickly bored by the quiet streets of Bruges, while his older partner Ken, revels in its history. Tormented by his past actions, Ray is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and the peaceful city of Bruges only escalates his tension. Only after meeting a beautiful woman, Chloe (Clemence Posey) does he start to have a glimmer of hope in his dreaded future. When the truth of their assignment to Bruges is revealed, it puts Ken at a crossroads between his duty, and his friendship with Ray.

Sad, tense, and constantly funny, In Bruges is a one-of-a kind movie that for its genre, is the gold standard. Endlessly quotable lines and memorable scenes last after viewing and still remain fresh after multiple viewings. It’s a perfect representation of the dichotomy of what makes someone bad or good, and how they can represent both of these equally at the same time. It’s hard to hate any character in this film, no matter what they did previously, or what they are about to do. But the main thing everyone will agree with after watching, is the feeling that you have to visit Bruges. “It’s in Belgium”.

Director: Martin McDonagh

Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, Clemence Posey

Runtime: 107 minutes Year Released: 2008