Despite the violence and immoral behavior, this is a sharp, well crafted story. Hitmen Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are sent to hide in Bruges, Belgium following the accidental killing of a boy during a recent job. Ray is a simple, impulsive guy who can't stand being stranded in the old town. Ken is older, wiser and more patient and mentors the twitchy Ray. The two wait to get orders from their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes). While lying low, Ray falls for local girl/thief Chloë (Clémence Poésy) and befriends a Jimmy (Jordan Prentice), a bitter dwarf who's in town shooting a movie.

The script written by Martin McDonagh is one of the most clever, inventive I've seen since Rian Johnson's high school film noir Brick. McDonagh blends sharp dialog with symbolism and well delivered twists. Farrell is given a lively, multidimensional character in Ray and he runs with the role. This is easily the best performance of his career. Likewise, Fiennes and Gleeson have plenty to work with and both provide memorable performances. McDonagh's direction and writing is top notch and results in one of the more impressive films I've seen in a long time.

You should note that this is a violent film. There are shootings and there's plenty of bad language as well. If you're sensitive to these elements you will want to skip this film. If you're okay with a little gun play and some salty, but in context, language then you will find most likely find this a great alternative to the predictable nonsense that populates the video store walls.


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The New World (2006)
Phonebooth (2002)


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Commentary Track
Desert Entertainer