After much wailing and gnashing of teeth towards the USPS, I finally received a watchable copy of the 2008 movie, In Bruges. I have to say, this movie was a hell of a surprise. A great story, amazing script, beautifully shot (in Bruges, a visually stunning, medieval city), with performances that absolutely show off the talent the filmmakers got to act. Having no idea of what I was in for, this was just a variety of startling, sometimes shocking, cinematic moments. The plot revolves around two Irish hitmen, who, after an unexpected twist on a job, are exiled to Bruges (it's in Belgium) to await orders. While there, they begin to soak in the local culture while bantering about the ins and outs of their chosen work and life in general. As weird as this may sound, It reminded me of a more cerebral version of The Boondock Saints, and I loved that movie too. A few more twists and turns come about, culminating in a truly shocking climax.
The cast gathered for this movie is a plethora (love that word) of acting talent from the United Kingdom. Colin Farrell is Ray, the inexperienced assassin just coming off his first job. Brendan Gleeson (a vastly underrated acting talent) plays Ray's partner/mentor Ken, who attempts, mostly in vain, to expose Ray to a more cultured side of life than the local pub. Finally, Ralph Feinnes does a magnificent turn as the two gunmen's boss Harry. Whenever he played a villain previously, it was a cold, calculating, vicious performance. Harry is a more outwardly psychotic combination of Nazi Amon Goeth and serial killer Francis Dolarhyde (Schindler's List and Red Dragon, respectively. All of their performances were brilliant. They gave a magnificent depth and personalities to characters who could have just as easily remained caricatures of hired thugs. These actors made the film the wonderful personality study that it was.
The last main character in the movie is the city of Bruges itself. I had no idea this city was so beautiful. The characters often refer to it as a "fairytale city," and they are not wrong. Now don't mistake me here, there are fun action sequences her as well, but they come from circumstances set up by the story; the story is not a slave to the action. Simultaneously funny, horrifying, and touching, In Bruges is a movie that slid out under my radar, and I would like to thank several of my friends for recommending this, It's going in the library. The language is graphic, so be warned, but do not let it sway you from putting this DVD in your queue. Worth it on every level. 9/10.
Well kids, tomorrow I hit the century mark. Can't believe I've stuck with this as long as I have, and I want to sincerely thank all my friends who have recommended titles to me (and those who told me to get back on Netflix, without which, I would be screwed), you guys are streak-savers! To my beautiful wife, Stephanie, only 265 more after tomorrow!! Thanks for your recommendations and most importantly your patience so far, we have watched some stinkers.
See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!
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