I Finally Watched ‘In Bruges’

Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell in In Bruges | Credit: Focus Features

After a job goes wrong, hitmen Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are instructed to hide out in Bruges. The problem is that Ray wants to be anywhere else in the world.

This film is hilarious! Martin McDonagh’s screenplay features a great premise. These two hitmen are just instructed to wait until they get word from their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes). Ray is having a terrible time and can’t wait to get out of Bruges. Ken, on the other hand, is much more interested in exploring this city that has so much history.

Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson have great chemistry in this film that largely rests on their performances. Their banter is hilarious, and they perfectly play foils of each other. Farrell gives a great performance as the frustratingly childish Ray, who doesn’t want to be in Bruges. As the film goes on, we learn more about Ray’s internal turmoil that he’s feeling, which helps explain many of his behaviors.

As Ray is acting out, Ken is steady. He’s a calming presence who is much more willing to follow the rules… until the rules go against his own moral code. That’s when In Bruges starts to go off the rails.

Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes in In Bruges | Credit: Focus Features

In Bruges is an inappropriately hilarious film that will make you laugh and shake your head at the same time. But there’s also deeper contemplation here about morality and the consequences of our actions. On the surface, it’s a fun buddy comedy, but there’s more to the story as well.

If you haven’t yet seen In Bruges, I recommend it. It will keep you laughing and will leave you with something to think about as the credits roll.