In Bruges (rated R for lots of bad language, strong bloody violence, and some drug use) takes place, unsurprisingly, in the medieval-looking Belgian city of Bruges, where hit men Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) have been sent to hide out and await orders after a successful but tragic hit in London. Seeing the architecture and history of the city provides Ken with continual delights, but Ray just can’t quit bellyaching about the boring place. But as it turns out, idyllic Bruges is not as pastoral as it seems, and the choices Ray and Ken have made are about to catch up with them - in the form of their vengeful boss (Ralph Fiennes).

The film seems almost calculated to offend, and not because of its language as much as its cheeky and pervasive political incorrectness (think Hot Fuzz). Much of the humor revolves around tongue-in-cheek humor about nationalities and midgets, which - coming from the pen of British filmmaker Martin McDonagh and the mouth of a hit man of dubious intellect - is surely intended more dryly than many audiences (particularly American ones) might perceive.

The film is tightly written, funny, and well acted (particularly by Farrell, whose squeaky vocal delivery provides its own humor, and Gleeson, who can convey a lot in an eye roll). Shot on location in Bruges, the film begins with bright, touristy vistas, then grows more gothic in tandem with the tale’s lurking menace.

What makes In Bruges more than just another bloody, farcical buddy comedy is that it’s infused with reflections on sin, guilt, and redemption – weighty thoughts for murderers-for-hire. Ray and Ken have a lot of time on their hands, and they spend a bit of it seriously contending with their understanding of God, wrongdoing, and the afterlife. And while Ray’s conscience drives him toward mental anguish, Ken chooses to act sacrificially to give Ray a chance of survival and a new start in life. Though it’s far from a morality tale, In Bruges grapples with the human conscience and the powerful nature of forgiveness, sacrifice, and love.

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	Keywords: Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, In Bruges		RSS 2.0
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