What I’m watching: In Bruges
September 12th, 2008
When I saw the trailer for In Bruges I though to myself ‘that looks bloody hilarious and fun!‘
And it was.
But it was also a whole lot more, yes there is plenty of humour, thanks mainly to the incredibly sharp dialog and the wonderful performances by everyone involved.
The film has a lot more to it than the initial impression given by the trailer. The story and the characters have a lot of layers to them, they are complex, troubled and hilarious. The actors play them with attention to detail and honesty and Bruges itself is simply breathtaking.
We follow two hitmen who have been ordered to hide out in Bruges whilst the heat dies down back in London (I assume London). The young brash hitman played by Colin Farrell could not think of anything worse than being stuck in Bruges and is restless and bored. His older partner (Brendan Gleeson) though shows his maturity and experience through his patience appreciation of the extraordinary city. The film is best likened to this man as it methodically, carefully and even gently reveals more and more about our main characters.
As I said this is funny though, hilarious encounters with racist dwarfs, potty mouthed bosses, gun dealers obsessed with alcoves, Americans and soft skin-heads keep the pace of the film flowing forward.
It’s actually one of the better films I’ve seen this year and has renewed my faith in the watchability of Farrell who I could have taken or left of late (even though I was really impressed with him in Tigerland). It’s also weird and dissapointing that the film is only just now making it to Australian cinemas even though the DVD was released in the US around June. I guess it was only limited released and I should be happy it is getting any big screen time here.
If you’ve seen it, tell us what you thought, if not check it out and get back to us :), it could be worse I could be suggesting you go see Disaster Movie.
Popularity: 8% [?]
More posts like this:
Categories: Movies | Tags: brendan gleeson, colin farrell, film, In Bruges, Movies, What I'm watching
Haven’t seen this one, but I wouldn’t be bored in Brugge too much..just go into a local pub and have a taste of the many special beer brews. I don’t know if Brugge is a beautiful city though, haven’t been there yet.
Arjans last blog post..True Blood {main theme}
[Reply to this comment]
By Lee on September 12th, 2008 | Reply
It looked pretty nice in the movie, looks like an old city which is nice (since none of our cities are older than 211 years).
[Reply to this comment]
This was reviewed on the radio last night. The reviewer said that it was pretty dark and violent. I hardly ever watch movies these days and not violent ones, with kids in the house.
[Reply to this comment]
By Lee on September 12th, 2008 | Reply
It certainly is violent in parts and certain plot points are a little confronting so definitely not one for the kids.
But good still, and the violence/gore didn’t bother me as I probably am a bit desensitised.
[Reply to this comment]
Yowza! I’ve been recommending this film to everybody. I grabbed it for our movie night last month, thinking from the trailer that it was a Snatch / Layer Cake sort of film. It isn’t; it is better. My wife and I agreed that it was the best film we’d seen in a while. It was an interesting mix of naturalistic characters convincingly acting contrived dialog in contrived situations that somehow felt real. We began to really feel for the characters and cringed at the badness we knew would happen to one or both of them.
What is funny was that we both thought it ran like a really good play with no loose ends and every tiny detail has a reason. It turns out it was directed by a playwright! It also made us really want to visit Bruges. Heh.
The only complaint I heard of the film was a friend who was expecting a Statch-style comedy. He’s a bit odd when it comes to reality vs. his expectations. My only personal issue was Colin Farrell’s Eyebrows. Man. They were something.
arkonbeys last blog post..comic stuff
[Reply to this comment]
By Lee on September 13th, 2008 | Reply
I know what you mean regarding ‘liking’ the characters, that was one of the wonderful things about the film that made you really care about them and what happened.
I didn’t register the ‘play’ aspect but now that you mention it you are right on the money.
I think the advertising is misleading without intending to be (after looking back at the trailer now that I’ve seen the film), I’m not sure how else they could have advertised it.
[Reply to this comment]
Definitely one of the best films I’ve seen this year. Just hilarious - yet touching too.
Rols last blog post..Twilight Of The Twilight Zone
[Reply to this comment]
By Lee on September 16th, 2008 | Reply
Just one of those little unexpected gems.
[Reply to this comment]