Fancy a European escape?
Mark recommends In Bruges to scratch that itch…
Thank goodness forIn Bruges.
I was beginning to think Colin Farrell wasnt going to release another great film.
His first truly great film wasTigerland.
One of Joel Schumachers better efforts,Tigerlandlargely succeeds because of Farrells breakout role as Private Bozz.
Thats not to say I didnt enjoy him in those films, far from it.
It helps that this is a superb film.
While waiting for boss Harry, the two hang out in the Belgian city.
Ray gets on Kens nerves.
Ken just wants to take in the sights.
And Harrys not happy.
The characters here are human, not unthinking killing machines.
They have wives and lost loves.
Farrells Ray is like a stroppy kid taken to the last place on earth he wants to be.
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And yet Rays equally the films heart.
His progression from foul-mouthed, insensitive adolescent to foul-mouthed, thoughtful grown-up is absorbing to watch.
And what a foul mouth.
Its pretty relentless stuff.
Gleeson, like Farrell, is outstanding throughout, as is Ralph Fiennes as Harry.
Perhaps inspired by Sexy Beast he gives it his all and the results are outstanding.
In many ways, the real star of the film is Bruges itself.
Its a great advert for the place, despite Rays constant put-downs.
In Brugesis witty, quirky and extremely touching.
Its very funny and downright bizarre in places.
But at its heart, its a tale of facing your demons.
Rating:
4 out of 5
