"Somehow I believe, Ken, that the balance shall tip in the favor of culture, like a big fat fucking retarded fucking black girl on a see-saw opposite... a dwarf. "
"In Bruges" was the best movie of 2008, one of the best of the decade and it may just be the best comedy (it's dark though) of that decade as well. It's dark humor so it's not everyone's cup of tea. However the jokes in this movie are timeless, they are just as funny on repeat viewings. That's hard to do. Films like "Superbad" or "The Other Guys" are hilarious the first time around, but it's surprise and shock are gone. "In Bruges" and it's jokes will never weaken over time. It's refreshingly un PC (pop culture), bold, strongly built and doesn't get old (Those who have seen the end of "Observe and Report" may agree the ending was hysterical, but it will never be as good as first time).
"In Bruges" is not just a comedy though, it's also a heartfelt drama. The film blends and jumps genres perfectly and seamlessly. It's balls to the wall funny when it wants to be, but will strike a chord when it is trying to be sad. The film is as delightful as it is meaningful. It may just be the best dark comedy I have ever seen.
The story follows two hit-men hiding out in Bruges (it's in Belgium) and must now stay in this "shit-hole/fairy tale town". Ray and Ken, two men of opposite tastes are stuck in a small town in a smaller hotel room. Bruges is the kind of town you can walk through in one day, it's not exactly a place for two Dubliners to get involved in. Colin Farrell who plays Ray turns in the best performance of his career. He is hilarious when he wants to be with pitch perfect comedy timing, but will leave a hole in your heart when he's broken. Each emotion he expresses is to it's fullest. Ray is such an interesting character and Colin allows this to come through so easily. Ray is just a boy in this world. Always fooling around and wanting to do something, he's just as impatient as a three year old. He hates Bruges and can't find anything good about it (besides the local girl Chloe, played by the always stunning Clemence Poesy), thinking it's hell for him. Ray is hiding out here because of a bad job, not by choice. I don't want to say much but let me express that he kills his innocence during this job. Reflect on that a bit when seeing this and it will be like has shown bright. Ken (Brendan Gleeson, matching Colin every step with brilliance) is the complete opposite of Ray. He loves the atmosphere of Bruges (from personal experience, I can see why). The way the town just seems peaceful and that calm air all around (in real life it's a tourist trap). Ken acts as a guardian to Ray and looks out for him every step. His compassion knows no bounds. Ken will be given a task while in Bruges by his boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes proving why he is one of the best actors working) and it won't be something easy for him to do. He has some time to reflect on it and while it's there subtly, he's bringing it up a little in everything he says afterwards. The "war" speech and Ken's response is just as meaningful as it his funny.
"In Bruges" tackles many themes and each one is just as important as the next. There is symbolism to suggest that Bruges is actually Purgatory itself, and Ray is just waiting for whatever comes next. There is the idea of losing your innocence and living in a world of children among men. There is love, hate, darkness but most of all light. This is the movie I believe Guy Ritchie has been trying to make for years, a dark british comedy that stands apart. Most movies now a days are just copies of copies (to quote Fight Club). In Bruges is a beacon among this trend an stands out as one of the best movies in recent history.
10/10
Recommendation: Watch it, it's got something for everyone. It's in my top ten favorite films ever and with the amount I've seen that says something.
No comments:
Post a Comment