In Bruges

Rating: 7/10 (19 July 2008)

It was six months back when I went to Bruge and it fascinated me by its beauty  lovely place. On BBC, when I saw the discussion of this new movie  In Bruges, I found it interesting. I saw the trailers, and that too appealed me  as is based on an interesting premise.
Two hit men  elderly Ken (Brendan Gleeson) and young Ray (Collin Farrell)  are ordered to hide in Bruges by their Boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes), because Ray along with a priest, by mistake killed a young boy  and other gangs are behind them to seek revenge. The only way the thing can be resolved is to kill Ray. Harry asks Ken to kill Ray, who is suicidally depressed. Ken wants to give Ray another chance. Harry gets angry and comes to Bruges. The final show-down results in lots of gun-shots, blood and death of most of the protagonist.
This is a dark comedy thriller movie. Writer-Director Martin McDonagh, who had won an Oscar for a short film  Six Shooter in 2004, comes back with this wonderful movie. He has this uncanny style of narrative- where he infuses dark comedy and racism slurs  with penache. And the style is felt in every frame of this movie. Even in the darkest and grimmest scene  Martin manages to keep audience gay  with the dialogue and style. The writing / story / screenplay are the kings, and Martin takes out brilliant performances from his perfecting casting.
Brendan as Key, masterly enacts this role of loyal hit-man and a compassionate friend. Collin Farrel is just outstanding in his role of this innocent, eccentric, dry humored & silly guy  who is also a cold blooded murderer, with a conscious. Ralph Fiennes  since Shakespeare in Love, has grown in stature and maturity in his characterization of roles.
The musical score is Carter Burwell and cinematography of Bruges by Eigil Bryld are excellent.
There are also other characters in the film, who are real to the groove and have given top class performances.
Though comparable with Tarantino dark humor and style, I think Martin has his own genre of telling the story. I hope he continues giving us such lovely and enjoyable gems.
Those audience, who do not like talkative movies or movies that show blood in cold shots  stay away from it. Others, go and enjoy this wonderful flick.
Just a trivia, I went to see this movie with my work colleague Claudia Misch, and met other two colleagues - Lena and Guido. All four sat together and enjoyed seeing this movie.
(Stars 7.25 out of 10)