In Bruges (2008 film)

Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Released: 2008
Country: United Kingdom

Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Dark comedy

Main cast: Colin Farrel, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, Clémence Poésy, Thekla Reuten, Jordan Prentice, Jérémie Renier

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review 

Dark, funny, thrilling, ''In Bruges'', the first feature film by Martin McDonagh, is a black comedy-drama crime film. The film is written and directed by Martin McDonagh. The film tells the story of a hit man who kills an innocent little boy and the consequences that come after.

Hit men Ray and Ken are sent to Bruges, Belgium, by their boss Harry, and they have to wait for Harry's next orders. While the middle-aged Ken enjoys the place, Ray doesn't like the place much. Ray meets the production assistant of a film, Chloe Villette, and they become close, and it is revealed that she herself is engaged in crime: she is a drug dealer and robber. 

Ken gets a phone from Harry, who gives him an order hearing which he is shocked.

Ray regrets very much about killing a little boy. He is very much remorseful, and though he enjoys himself much in Bruges, he is never able to take that incident out of his mind. He is shocked because of what he did and cannot forget it.

Harry, their boss, believes that killing a child is a terrible sin, and orders Ken to murder Ray. But will Ken forget their friendship? Will he kill his friend, or save him? And what happens after all?

Often using witty and light dialogues (and often crude language), the film is easily a dark comedy film, but there is emotional content aplenty. It is easily visible. Ray's remorse for what he did, Ken's feeling for friendship- all these make the film emotional as well. 

The film starts simply as a comedy regarding two hit men, and we don't have any idea of what is going to happen next. But then everything changes. The film turns out to be dramatic, often thrilling, with bits of action and bits of humor. And it is effective. It makes us laugh, feel emotional, and get thrilled. Such an effective and well-made film it is.

Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson play Ray and Ken respectively, two hit-men and friends to each other. Their performances are remarkable. As the antagonist, Ralph Fiennes gives a praiseworthy performance.

There are several subplots. For example, Ray's affair with drug dealer and robber (and production assistant of a film about a dwarf) Chloe ( Clémence Poésy). Ray shoots Chloe's partner in crimes, Eirik, making him blind at one eye, and Eirik turns to be a secondary antagonist. Another subplot is about a dwarf, Jimmy, played by Jordan Prentice.

In a small supporting role, Thekla Reuten plays Marie, co-owner and operator of the hotel where Ken and Ray stay.  Elizabeth Berrington (who played Jane in Mike Leigh's ''Secrets & Lies'') is present in a tiny role as Harry's wife.

While there is so much humor making you laugh out, there are also many moments when you feel thrilled and emotional. Very good movie, well-made, praises to it!

4 out of 5