In Bruges (2008)

Director
Martin McDonagh

Writer
Martin McDonagh

Cast
Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes

If you have ever seen the hokey trailer to this, trust me, it doesn't do this film justice. Sure, it's a pretty funny flick... well, actually it's pretty damn hilarious most of the time but I would label it as a "dramedy."

What's a "dramedy?" It's a comedy-drama, Sherlock.

The film centers around two hitmen, one is a newcomer (Farrell) and the other is a veteran (Gleeson) and they are sent to Bruges, Belgium for unknown reasons by their boss Frank (Fiennes.)

As I said before this is a dramedy. Along with it's humorously quirky dialogue it also has a very serious, and sometimes tragic side to it. Farell's character makes a tragic mistake on his first hit and is seriously depressed, even on the verge of suicide. His partner, Gleeson, tries to pull him out of his misery as he awaits instructions from his boss Frank.

Although that is a very serious tone to the film there are comedy elements to it. Gleeson's character, who can appreciate the fine culture in the city of Bruges yet his young partner feels that only if you "lived on a farm and was retarded" you might appreciate the city.

Gleeson, who has starred in 28 Days Later and Troy. is great as always and this might be Farrell's best performance yet aside from Tigerland. But the highlight of the film for me was Fiennes peformance as Frank. Anything that comes from his mouth is histerical. This is a man who calls his wife a "inanimate fucking object" yet later tells her that she's not an inanimate object. I actually think his performance should be seriously considered for nomination.

This film is as politically incorrect as they get. They pull no punches, especially though dialogue. Take a look at this:

Ken: "We shall strike a balance between culture and fun."

Ray: "Somehow I believe, Ken, that the balance shall tip in the favor of culture, like a big fat fucking retarded fucking black girl on a see-saw opposite...a dwarf."

I just decided to write this review to tell everyone how great of a film this is. Probably the best of the year so far and unfortunately it might be overlooked once Oscar-time rolls around. It's a well-written and beautifully shot film that should be watched. If you like crime-dramas, comedies or anything in the same vain as Pulp Fiction then definintely check it out.

10/10