Summer of Netflix Day 36: In Bruges

Alexa: Few movies nowadays feel wholly original, but In Bruges has the distinction of being one of them. I watched it for the first time years ago but hadn’t seen it since until now, and I forgot how masterful and immensely entertaining it is. Martin McDonagh crafted a whip-smart screenplay that’s darkly funny without turning the hitmen at the center of the story into caricatures. Before this movie, I knew Colin Farrell as that guy from Phone Booth and SWAT, but In Bruges proved what a talented actor he really is. It doesn’t hurt that he’s surrounded by equally outstanding cast mates who deliver nuanced performances with ease, particularly Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes. Though the film’s climax is action-packed, the story overall is rather introspective, underscoring the characters’ humanity as they grapple with guilt, regret and their complicated friendships. That In Bruges succeeds in intertwining humor, action and quiet character study so sublimely is a testament to McDonagh’s skill. I also feel compelled to point out that Farrell kills Aberforth Dumbledore on Lord Voldemort’s orders before fleeing to Bruges with Mad-Eye Moody and falling for Fleur Delacour, so that many Harry Potter connections earns this already exceptional movie extra points in my book.

Joel: It’s a pretty incredible movie that can be about how terrible it’s own setting is and still be such a fantastic movie. The credit in no small part, should be given to a fantastic cast that fills out the movie. It’s a movie with a slower pace but that really give the actors a chance to shine and play with the incredible dialogue that the script offers. So much of this movie relies on the handful of main characters simply talking to and insulting each other and in each case a scene that could have been boring and dragged in a different movie holds together very well in this one. I really don’t want to say too much more about the movie should there be anybody reading this that hasn’t seen it yet. This is one of the times where going into the movie with as little information as possible, just makes the whole experience better. Find some time to see this one if you haven’t yet.

Chris: This is one of my personal favorites and this one led me to Seven Psychopaths, one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. It would’ve been very easy to make this movie super dark and it does have some dark themes surrounding Ray but yet there’s so much great dialogue that is straight up comedy or dark humor. Either way, it’s one of those types of movies where you don’t really notice that the action is very few and far between because you’re so into the dialogue. Like Joel said, it’s great if you go in knowing very little about the plot details and see exactly how everything little thing connects with each other. Rarely do I ever including related movie suggestions but if you enjoyed In Bruges, do yourself a favor and go watch Seven Psychopaths.

Your Viewing Homework for Tomorrow: Hector and the Search for Happiness