In Bruges DVD Review

"In Bruges" reviews

DVD

In Bruges

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2008-08-15 07:11:33

Provider

DVD Review

Martin McDonagh's (aka Tarantino of the theatre) first film was well received by critics upon its cinema release, ultimately winning the Best Short Film Oscar, yet failed to really find an audience.

But we shouldn't be too worried for McDonagh's film future, as this screamingly funny and violent comic tale, in which two hit men hide out in Bruges after a job goes wrong, has cult hit written all over it.

Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson play the hit men stuck in the eponymous Belgian city - with Farrell's Ray less than happy with their predicament while Gleeson's world-weary Ken is happy to soak up the city's ancient architecture.

There are many obvious fish-out-of-water tourist gags to be mined (eg overweight American visitors and tourist-hating natives), which the film tackles with glee. But its real strength lies in McDonagh's zinger-filled script with taboo-busting jokes about racist midgets and whether it is ever right to hit a woman. (Only when one brandishes a bottle at you, is the correct answer here).

This is yet another example of how good Gleeson is in the right role while even Farrell's harshest critics (of which there are many) must be struck by the Irish hellraiser's unexpected gift for comedy.

The pair are fantastic together and the chemistry they generate is enough to see off some of the film's weaker moments, like the plot contrivances towards the end.

It won't be everyone's litre of Leffe, but anyone who likes off-kilter crime films will love this playful little gem.

Extras include a montage of the film's sweariest moments and a funny gag reel.

In Bruges is released on August 11.