Truly a dark comedy through and through, “In Bruges” has found an interesting balance between hilarious situational comedy and morbid subject matter.
Ken (Brendan Gleeson) and Ray (Colin Ferrell) are two hit men forced by their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) to go into hiding in Bruges, Belgium, after Ray botches their last hit. Bruges is a nearly nonexistent town that is so low profile it is ridiculous to Ray he was were even sent there.
While Roy is almost physically sick with being forced to stay in the city, Ken begins to enjoy its quaint medieval architecture and historical landmarks. The two are a regular odd couple of assassins. Things get complicated as they realize that Harry is planning to make Ray pay for his mistake.
The most interesting aspect of the film is the lives and personalities of these hit men themselves. Although their chosen profession happens to be murder, these characters have a strict sense of honor and principle. Despite being killers, they have a clearly defined, if not totally insane, sense of morality. There are lines that are not to be crossed in their profession, and when they are, someone pays for it with his or her life.
Their desensitization to death has given way to a brutal unapologetic honesty that provides most of the humor in the movie.
Though the jokes may have you feeling guilty for laughing due to their rude and borderline offensive nature, it’s hard not to laugh. The film pokes fun at race, dwarfism and many other sensitive subjects. It is shocking and blunt but, refreshingly, pulls no punches. This adds a reality to the characters that would otherwise be unachievable.
In one memorable scene, Ray bluntly recommends that an obese American tourist and his family choose not to scale the town’s center tower due to its narrow staircase, calling them a pack of elephants.
All three of these main characters are able to portray an amazing sincerity through their characters. Ferrell, Fiennes and Gleeson interact perfectly with one another. Audiences begin to truly identify and care about them even though they are cold blooded murderers.
Surprisingly, the film even contains some interesting moments of powerful emotion, which is perfectly juxtaposed with its comedic aspects. In particular, the scene where Ken and Harry argue over principle will leave you with chills.
The dialogue throughout the movie is snappy and effective. Writer/Director Martin Mcdonagh has created an interesting alternate world where hit men live by a code all their own.
The film expertly walks the line between tragedy and comedy, and the result is an assault on the movie-goer’s sense of entertainment.
If you can get past the political incorrectness and rude nature of much of its comedy, “In Bruges” won’t disappoint.
Locally, the film is only playing at the Esquire Theatre, but it is worth the trip off the beaten path in search of fresh entertainment.
“In Bruges” will keep you in stitches, so don’t miss it.
