2008 Oscar Alert!!!

Rating: 9/10 (30 November 2008)

This film really astonished me. I never really cared much for Colin Farrell, but man did he surprise me in this movie. Now, of course most of the credit goes to Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes, as they bring sophistication to this raunchy flick. The dialogue, I think, was the movie's strongest point, and that just may earn it a well deserved Oscar nod. The chemistry between Gleeson and Farrell was remarkable, and the introduction of Fiennes into the affair is downright brilliant. Acting wise, Gleeson gave the best performance of his career, while Fiennes unleashed his inner beast out (reminded me of Ben Kingsley in Sexy Beast). Of course, the film is somewhat risqué, but ultimately it just works out so well. It's shame that not too many people saw it, because this movie's potential is just so amazing. Alas, these little gems are overlooked by the critics, but in the heart of the fans, the movie's brilliance takes center stage. With the exception of the Dark Knight, the grand spectacle of 2008, this is the best film I've seen so far this year. With Oscar season approaching, more complex films may come, but I will always remember this fairytale set in Bruges.