Tourism for hit men

As greasy, profane and drunk as he usually is when out on the town, there is no doubt Colin Farrell can act. Both he and fellow Irishman Brendan Gleeson show true acting chops in Martin McDonagh’s second film “In Bruges.” McDonagh, known mostly for being an acclaimed playwright, proves himself as a competent filmmaker in his feature-length debut, after making an Academy Award-winning short film in 2004, also starring Gleeson.

Gleeson and Farrell star as Ken and Ray – respectively, two Irish hit men living in England. After a job, the two are sent by their enigmatic boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) to Bruges, Belgium, to hide out until they are given their next assignment. Ken is an older, quiet man who seems to be holding a lot of himself in, while Ray is erratic, profane and emotional, with a past that haunts him.
 
The two do a bit of sightseeing, an activity that Ken enjoys immensely, but which Ray couldn’t find more abhorrent. Ray puts up with it, though, as he has nothing else to do in what he feels is the lowest, most boring city in the universe. One night, while Ray is out on a date with lovely drug dealer Chloë (Clémence Poésy), Ken gets a phone call from Harry that shakes Ken and Ray’s presently peaceful situation.

Gleeson and Farrell have amazing chemistry together, and each man’s personality complements the other’s. The acting is completely believable in every way, accented by McDonagh’s carefully constructed dialogue. The soundtrack successfully adds even more emotion to the already heart-wrenching scenes.

Although it is a dramatic film, filled with emotion, violence and edge-of-your-seat action, there are many instances of brilliant humor to lighten up the mood, mostly in the small, wonderful moments involving Ken and Ray’s appreciation (or lack thereof) for the quaint Bruges. When Ralph Fiennes’ Harry finally shows up, he plays the usual villain, but with a splash of British humor that doesn’t take away from the drama of the moment.

The feel of “In Bruges” gives it the flavor of a great art-house film but with the star power of a mainstream one. It is a must-see for fans of Irish-style crime humor, a la “Boondock Saints.” Also, something tells me this film will cause the tourism rate to rise dramatically in the obscure town of Bruges, Belgium.