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Stop me if you have heard this. A hooker, a hit man and a midget walk into a bar. They exchange rapid fire, wit filled dialogue that is as hilarious as
it is off the wall. That is only part of the new action-comedy film from writer/director Martin McDonagh. In Bruges is a film that though full of elements to offend almost anyone, is also a very poignant look at remorse and retribution. McDonagh has created characters that are so different than you and I but at the core are identifiable. We laugh with them, mourn with them and many times agree with their motivations while simultaneously being shocked by their actions. And though you can make this a deep film the bottom line is you will laugh a lot. Not at sophomoric attempts at shock and potty humor. But at clever exchanges and lines you never saw coming. Delivered from left field and toying with the thin line that separates campy from brilliant.  But they walk it with a confident swagger.

McDonagh created the story after visiting Bruges Belgium for a weekend getaway. Though intrigued by the history and architecture he was also about
to lose his mind from boredom. These two mindsets immerged on paper as separate characters. Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are two
hit men who find themselves in Bruges waiting for their next assignment from the boss (Ralph Fiennes). Ken is content with visiting all the local churches and mediaeval castles, taking in the sites and sounds of this quaint little town. Ray on the other hand is ready to come unglued and longs for the excitement of his home town of London. While biding their time Ray gets mixed up with some locals creating a mingling of subplots which all weave together with each other. Bruges itself becomes a likeable character. As Ken is drawn to the famous landmarks Ray is quick to waive them aside as
trivial. As he points out, "If I'd grown up on a farm and was retarded, Bruges might impress me, but I didn't, so it doesn't."

Though flippant about his surroundings we also find that Ray is dealing with an inner guilt and a depth of human remorse that Farrell delivers wonderfully. This could easily be his best role to date. You truly feel the pain he is going through. Though none of us have committed acts to the level Ray has, we still have things in our life that we regret. Circumstances and decisions that we replay in our head a thousand times over, hoping for a change of outcome or an opportunity to set life right. And if nothing else to do something good to counteract the bad. Even with all the comedy the film is able to show the serious effects that bad choices can take on our life and those around us. And that no one sin is greater than another when all is said and done. Remorse affects us all and redemption is sweet no matter the quantity in which it is supplied. But does Ray find it? McDonagh allows the viewer to decide. And I know where I stand. 

In Bruges is rated R and earns this rating with gusto. It contains strong bloody violence, pervasive language and some drug use. They possibly set the
record for the use of the F word in casual conversation. Also, the violence, though strong is almost comical in it's over the top delivery. If such things do not bother you I think you will be hard pressed to find a film that is as cleverly written and well acted as In Bruges. This movie accomplishes what many in the past have attempted when it comes to witty action comedy. I am not sure I can put my finger on exactly what makes this one work. But all I can say is that it does. I give In Bruges a strong, bloody, 4 and a half out of 5 guide books. Just know going in what to expect on this trip.    

Matt Mungle (2/07/08)

Matt is a member of the North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) and co-hosts a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies, with his wife Cindy.
For additional reviews, interview clips and great DVD giveaways, visit the website www.mungleshow.com

Review copyright 2008 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.