2008 Woodie Awards
'In Bruges' delivers action and laughs
by Ali Ramsey
Issue date: 4/3/08
Section: Movies
With a title too complicated for many to pronounce, "In Bruges" still manages to deliver a hard-hitting tale with a back story of heart.
In the small Belgium town of Bruges (pronounced Broozh), two Irish hit men Ken and Ray (Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell) are put up after a hit goes wrong and they must hide out.
Ken's soft side comes out as he begins to think Bruges is a dream town filled with medieval buildings and churches. On the other hand, Ray is beginning to loathe the city the longer he's in it and soon befriends Chloe (Clemence Poesy), a drug-dealing townie and Jimmy (Jordan Prentice), a little person from America.
As the time passes and the two men wait to hear from their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes), Ray becomes plagued with guilt at the mistake that left them in the Belgium city.
Starting out slow with little dialogue, "In Bruges" takes the viewer around the city, exploring the churches, buildings, canals and art of the city. Soon after the quaint tour, the film dives headfirst into making fun of anyone it can. Everything from obesity, prostitution, race and dwarfism is harshly made fun throughout the film. Never missing an opportunity, "In Bruges" mocked of Americans as often as possible, cracking underlining jokes around every corner.
As Bruges begins to become a character in itself, the rest of the actors shine strongly with Farrell coming out ahead of everyone. With his last few films being anything but brag worthy, Farrell needed "In Bruges" to prove he can still be a dynamic actor on all accounts.
Writer and director Martin McDonagh's feature-film debut with "In Bruges" shows he can not only work with big name actors, but also make it all look appealing in the end.
Using a shaky camera in some scenes, McDonagh creates a feeling of confusion that is set early in the film.
After hitting mixed emotions of friendship, bonding, despair and confusion, McDonagh turns "In Bruges" into something it should have been from the beginning - two hit men trying to stay alive.
THE GRADE: B+
Good if you like your action and comedy equally ruthless.
Ali Ramsey is the Reporter assistant variety editor
In the small Belgium town of Bruges (pronounced Broozh), two Irish hit men Ken and Ray (Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell) are put up after a hit goes wrong and they must hide out.
Ken's soft side comes out as he begins to think Bruges is a dream town filled with medieval buildings and churches. On the other hand, Ray is beginning to loathe the city the longer he's in it and soon befriends Chloe (Clemence Poesy), a drug-dealing townie and Jimmy (Jordan Prentice), a little person from America.
As the time passes and the two men wait to hear from their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes), Ray becomes plagued with guilt at the mistake that left them in the Belgium city.
Starting out slow with little dialogue, "In Bruges" takes the viewer around the city, exploring the churches, buildings, canals and art of the city. Soon after the quaint tour, the film dives headfirst into making fun of anyone it can. Everything from obesity, prostitution, race and dwarfism is harshly made fun throughout the film. Never missing an opportunity, "In Bruges" mocked of Americans as often as possible, cracking underlining jokes around every corner.
As Bruges begins to become a character in itself, the rest of the actors shine strongly with Farrell coming out ahead of everyone. With his last few films being anything but brag worthy, Farrell needed "In Bruges" to prove he can still be a dynamic actor on all accounts.
Writer and director Martin McDonagh's feature-film debut with "In Bruges" shows he can not only work with big name actors, but also make it all look appealing in the end.
Using a shaky camera in some scenes, McDonagh creates a feeling of confusion that is set early in the film.
After hitting mixed emotions of friendship, bonding, despair and confusion, McDonagh turns "In Bruges" into something it should have been from the beginning - two hit men trying to stay alive.
THE GRADE: B+
Good if you like your action and comedy equally ruthless.
Ali Ramsey is the Reporter assistant variety editor
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