Hit men With Consciousness

Rating: 8/10 (8 September 2009)

Two hit men travel to Bruges after a botched hit. Ken, the older, more mature hit-man, sees this as an opportunity to visit the beautiful Medieval city and all its cultural artifacts. Ray, the young hit-man, is going crazy and can't wait to get back to the 'real world'. But they can't movie until they get a call from their boss, the mysterious Harry.
This simple premise provides Martin McDonagh the room to create a blend of comedy and drama involving a drug-taking dwarf, obnoxious turists, a neo-Nazi and his girlfriend who rob turists, prostitutes, Bosch imagery and the beautiful city of Bruges. Through all the dark humor emerges a captivating movie about the importance of principles, the ability to change, sacrifice, regret and responsibility. Quite a tall order for a hit-man movie, but McDonagh pulls it off with delicacy and excitement.
I don't remember a dull moment in the movie, one that didn't have something to hold the viewer's attention, whether it be the witty dialogue, the slapstick humor, or just the shots of Bruges.
Much of the film's quality comes from its Oscar-nominated screenplay. But the three main characters each contributed a good deal to the wonder. Colin Farrell reveals some talent for humor and even drama, when need be. Ralph Fiennes continues to reward viewers with his intense performances. But the real star, the actor who should have won the Oscar for best supporting role last year but wasn't even nominated, was Brendan Gleeson. I haven't seen him in such a complex and promising role since The General. And it's obvious the role excited him because he gave one of his best performances ever, playing a middle-aged hit-man fed up with death trying to do some good for people at last, even if it costs him life.
I gave this movie the pass when it came out, and much regret it has caused me after watching it on DVD. There can never be enough movies like this.