In Bruges Reviews

[Highly rated reviewer]

The WORST trailers to THE worst film

If you think you're going to see the comedy of the century, as billed, you're SO very wrong. This horror film with gratuitous death scenes it is NOT a comedy. There's a few jokes which incite a few giggles and maybe one good laugh...it's rarely funny and there's WAY too much blood and guts for it to be called a comedy!!

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[Highly rated reviewer]

Farrell shines

Colin Farrell has done little to stand out over recent years. Since the debacle that was Alexander, the once rising star seemed to almost vanish from the scene. Even his role in Miami Vice, whilst good, was nothing special and left no lasting resonance. Well, with In Bruges he makes a definite mark in the film world again, and gives a performance worth watching. As Ray, a hitman who is sent to Bruges with his partner-in-crime Ken (Brendan Gleeson), he finds himself trapped and bored in the historical city. Ray is more of a city lad, and needs excitement - he is also not exactly the sharpest of tools and blunders around with an innocent naivete. As Ray and Ken await a call from gangland boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) they explore the sights and find ways to pass the time. When the job finally comes through it is likely to change the pair forever. Farrell and Gleeson play wonderfully against each other throughout, with witty banter similar in tone to that heard in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang a couple of years back. Right from the word go the laughs start, and you are instantly captivated by the lives of these two otherwise unlikable characters. The reason for their exile to Bruge is made clear early on, and is quite shocking, but even through their past crimes you actually come to care for the pair as the film progresses. Small scatterings of action are peppered through the film, with a strong wrapping up of the story towards the end. The direction allows for the breathtaking scenery to be appreciated, whilst not slowing down the film. Great use of long shots and close-ups really gets you involved in the proceedings, and captures the conversational wit, complementing it with the right looks. This is a great film with a strong cast, and with plenty to latch onto throghout. Very dark in tone, and guaranteed to offend some people, the film simply doesn't care and genuinely entertains. Well worth watching. NB: Unlike james james (submitter of so-called review which is nought but a cut and paste from Focus Features' official promo blurb for the film - see rottentomatoes.com for the original source) this is an actual REVIEW of the film.

[Highly rated reviewer]

It's in Belgium

Martin McDonagh follows up his fantastic Oscar-winning short, Six Shooter, with his first full-length feature and it is brilliant too. With its Pinteresque plot of two men waiting for instructions and set, yes, in picturesque Bruges it has wonderful scenery and witty dialogue, Gleeson and Farrell are marvellous and well-supported by the rest of the cast. If you like McDonagh's plays, if you like Farrell and Gleeson, if you like to be treated as an adult and if you like Bruges, you will like this but most of all, if you like great films then this is for you.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Painful

This has to be the worst film I've seen this year 2008. Nothing happens the films slow and doesn't pick up the final moments are a relief that this crud was over. One or two jokes manly aimed in a racist humour and not really funny.

I was bored tedious with this crud. Ferral proved once again he couldn't act and should beg to get back in Ballykissangel. because a remake of Bally K would have been much better viewing.

British films can be really good despite the lack of funding but this was rubbish and felt as though the price to rent it cost more than had been spent on it.

If your expecting something with humour action or even a plot. This isn't any of that. I would rather watch paint dry than sit through this again.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Favourite film this year by far

Superb acting, very funny, shocking, thought-provoking - I loved it. Confirmed for me that Hollywood films rarely deliver such fantastic quality as this. Will definitely watch it again.

[Highly rated reviewer]

DO NOT IGNORE THE BAD REVIEWS!

JUST finished watching this rubbish. NOT funny, NOT thrilling, not anything except tedious and predictable and ss-ll-oo-ww... What a complete and utter waste of time and money...mine and the film makers! I would have given this zero stars but I don't know how :-) A film with actors and a script trying to be 'edgy' and 'cool'...think 'Guy Richie' and that about sums it up - yes it's THAT BAD!

[Highly rated reviewer]

WHAT'S BELGIUM FAMOUS FOR?

I was actually born not far from Bruges and all my life people have said 'Erm, yeah well, Belgium.' So at some point I actually started using the joke that Colin Farrell makes in the movie (tea leaf, he got it from me!! ha ha) 'What is Belgium famous for? Chocolate and paedos...' (You have to watch the film to find out the rest.)

At least, thanks to In Bruges it has something else to be famous for; the setting of one of the best Brit Flicks in a long while. It's a beautiful place and, in a way, a beautiful film. Beautiful in its simplicity, its acting, its gear changes from life philosophy and talk about redemption to near slapstick without feeling clumsy.

Two hitmen (Farrell as Ray and Gleeson as Ken) travel to Bruges (it's in Belgium) to lay low and await instructions from their boss Harry (or 'Arry?, played by Ralph Fiennes). Cue sightseeing and exploration on Ken's side, boredom and stroppy teenager like moping on Ray's side. Then something goes wrong and the peace and quiet is broken, the tension starts to rise and with Harry's arrival the violence really begins.

Comparisons to Tarantino's films are understandable, yet here is a gem of a film in its very own rights. Like the beautiful town of Bruges it is not just worth the superficial discovery, but demands and deserves deeper exploration. If you like it the first time, you will want to watch it again and again. To be sure.

FANTASTIC.

SEE THIS IF YOU LIKED

* PULP FICTION

* LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS

* THE LIMEY

[Highly rated reviewer]

So bad I wanted to cry

Avoid this film. Do not waste your time and money. See in depth -ve reviews from other members. They are right.

[Highly rated reviewer]

WAY OVER RATED

I ONLY MANAGED TO WATCH THE FIRST 60 MINS I WAS SO BORED. I FLIPPED THRU THE LAST 1/2 HOUR OF IT CRAP

Not what I thought it would be

Me and the boyf really wanted to see this when it was in the cinema but never got round to it, and I'm so glad that I didn't waste my money for the cinema ticket.

From the advertisements in cinemas and on TV this appeared to be a comedy, even the main sysnopsis says it's a gangster comedy, but I can't really say this is funny. Sure there's a couple of jokes that will make you snigger, but there's not really alot else to this film.

I was bit unsure of Liam Neesons character at first, but it did seem to work, it was about the only thing that was midly amusing.

It's an ok film, but it ends with you feeling deflated.