Saw the previews for this a while back and thought it looked boring. However, I recently read somewhere that it was recommended so I figured I'd take a chance.
I'm glad I did.
This is not a film that can be sold through a trailer. In fact, based on the trailer I saw I came in expecting a very, very different film.
This is a dark comedy in the same realm as Fargo.
Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are criminals sent to hide out for 2 weeks in Bruges. Colin is immediately bored, but is kept in check by Brendan's older and wiser character. Their time in Bruges is marked by how quickly these two men "in hiding" make an impression upon members of the local populace.
I'll say nothing else about the plot to avoid spoilers.
Needless to say that as the viewer is granted knowledge about exactly why they're in Bruges things get far darker, however the comedy is still there throughout.
The acting here is off the charts good. Colin Farrell is better here than anything I've ever seen him in and Brendan Gleeson steps up from character actor to truly carry this film. There is not a single bad performance. Special note for Jordan Prentice. I know that the material had to have been difficult for him or possibly put him in a difficult position off camera, but he was fantastic.
The story is very good. There was only one event within the film that was a weak plot device, but one could easily explain it to themselves: "Perhaps they saw him get on that particular ."
I'm not sure how to recommend this film because it may turn some off, but others who would love it might skip it thinking it's not for them. Fargo is a pretty good indicator for this film as if you liked that, I can't imagine you not liking this as they're both dark comedies delving in the realm of crime.
8 out of 10.
In Bruges
Not what I was expecting. Went in thinking it was going to be more like Lock, Stock/Snatch/Intermission. Not the different camera angles and the stylized look but the over the top not realistic quirky characters. Which is how I thought it had been advertised.
The ending came together a bit too well for some maybe but I have never been one to try to guess what happens next or worry about something not making enough sense to ruin a good time so it didn't really bother me.
My only issue is that I really didn't like the characters themselves all that much. Not that they did a bad job acting or writing them but it is just hard to get behind Ferrells character after what he did. Where as the criminals in Lock, Stock/Snatch/Intermission were likable even if they were doing bad things.
Defiantly glad I watched it and laughed out loud several times, especially when they were making fun of Bruge.
The ending came together a bit too well for some maybe but I have never been one to try to guess what happens next or worry about something not making enough sense to ruin a good time so it didn't really bother me.
My only issue is that I really didn't like the characters themselves all that much. Not that they did a bad job acting or writing them but it is just hard to get behind Ferrells character after what he did. Where as the criminals in Lock, Stock/Snatch/Intermission were likable even if they were doing bad things.
Defiantly glad I watched it and laughed out loud several times, especially when they were making fun of Bruge.