Genre: Thriller

Director: Martin McDonagh

Certificate: In Bruges was rated 16 by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie) i.e. suitable for persons of 12 years of age and older.

Violence = strong. Drugs = strong. Sex/Nudity = moderate. Language = strong.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: In Bruges

Well, what we have here is not just a dark comedy but as Dylan Thomas would have said a bible black comedy, as we see Ken (Breandan Gleeson) and Ray (Colin Farrell) two hired assassins holed up in the Belgian city of Bruges, awaiting further instructions from their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes).  Ray is going stir crazy as he sees Bruges as the last outpost on earth, where as Ken marvels in the sights of the medieval city and is enthralled by its architecture and cobbled streets.  As they wait, Ray meets Chloe (Clemence Poesy) as he watches a film in production starring dwarf Peter Dinklage, and a rather bizarre and zany romance unfolds.

However, what the trailers cleverly fail to show is that a previous incident involving Ray hangs over the unfolding events like a huge weight and totally underpins the whole thing eventually having a profound effect on all concerned.  After a few frivolous days where the deadly duo encounter all manner of off the wall situations, it's not long before Harry is once again orchestrating proceedings, and without giving too much away eventually turns up in Bruges to deal with an unresolved situation himself, and contributes to a tragic, and quite haunting finale.

Wonderfully directed by Martin McDonagh everyone gives exceptionally clever and well crafted performances, with crazy comedic lines delivered with perfect timing, and an understated chemistry between the two main characters that just leaves you wanting more.  Farrell gives one of the finest performances of his career to date, it's edgy and acerbic, yet with a vulnerable quality that totally draws you in, and I still feel he has a  truly ground breaking performance yet to show us.

In Bruges has a melancholic feel, helped in no small way by the beautiful medieval setting of Bruges, which when lit by night just adds so much to this film, giving the whole thing an eerie quality.  The only disappointment was the soundtrack which for me was totally out of sync with the overall atmosphere that has been created by this movie.

Word of warning the language is not for the faint hearted, and political correctness is not a word in this film's dictionary, but that aside there's so many memorable things to celebrate in this offering including a scene where Ray And Ken admire some gothic art that will live in my memory for a long time to come, for me it's a must see and is one of the best films I've seen so far this year.

Reviewed by Mary Kate, Premier Movie Reviews 2008

If you enjoy In Bruges you might also enjoy No Country for Old Men.

Colin Farrell

Brendan Gleeson

Ralph Fiennes

Clémence Poésy

Jérémie Rénier

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