Writer/Director: Martin McDonagh
Starring: Colin Farrell, Ralph Fiennes and Brendan Gleeson
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors have made movies that shine as bright as Ralph Fiennes. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Fiennes has become an icon. Whether it is preachers, Nazi commanders or bold political leaders, Fiennes has always portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Fiennes’ greatest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen time. Even when he’s not the central focus of a movie, Fiennes always leaves a lasting impression. An actor with bold commitment, Fiennes has proven a celebrated icon in entertainment. Although he is arguably best known for his iconic role as Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, Fiennes has proven he can make engaging films in every single genre. Throughout a long lasting career, Fiennes has made many memorable movies that definitely are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Fiennes and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “In Bruges” is truly my favourite. Released in 2008, Martin McDonagh’s movie offered a powerful portrayal of hitmen. Packed with breathtaking production, bold storytelling and powerful performances, it’s one of the best crime films ever made. At the center of it all is an extraordinary performance from Ralph Fiennes, who portrays a crime boss that faces a decline. Ultimately, what makes “In Bruges” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about hitmen, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about the lives of hitmen, there are several reasons why “In Bruges” is a commemorated film worth seeing.
Set in Bruges, Belgium, “In Bruges” tells the story of hitmen that experience issues. Colin Farrell portrays Ray, a strong hitman with a. devotion to his profession. Ray has always gotten away with committing crimes in his profession without a price to pay. Assisted by partner in crime Ken (Brendan Gleeson), Ray has always shown a strong devotion to the criminal professions. However, Ray’s life drastically changes when he is assigned a dangerous mission which causes disaster. Under intense pressure from his crime boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes), Ray questions if it’s possible to commit crimes which cause a decline. Facing issues, Ray questions if he can become a successful gangster in the city of Bruges.
Martin McDonagh is a newcomer towards stories of criminals. Before he created “In Bruges”, McDonagh had never made a film about crime before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of hitmen that endure adversities but he succeeded. Using strong cinematography, McDonagh captures a hitman embarking on a journey to discover his identity. Emulating Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction”, McDonagh uses point of view shots to capture the hardship hitmen go through. For instance, POV shots enhance the hitmen meeting scene. During this unforgettable scene, Ray and Ken have a tense argument causing tension. Through stunning POV shots, McDonagh creates a portrait of hitmen that’s compelling. POV shots are complex techniques. As Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” demonstrated, POV shots enhance historical dramas about the Holocaust. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Using stunning visuals, McDonagh captures tensions that hitmen in Bruges are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “In Bruges” that deserves appreciation is production. McDonagh’s decision to shoot the film in real-life locations across Belgium is risky but it works immensely. For instance, the Belgium locations enhance the shootout scene. During this intense scene, Ray and Ken engage in an intense shootout causing tension. Through using Belgium locations, McDonagh constructs a portrait of hitmen that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Carter Burwell’s music contributes to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that notorious hitmen are facing. Using strong production, McDonagh captures notorious hitmen which experience tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “In Bruges” is a crime film that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and efficiently uses dialogue to capture barriers gangs are experiencing. Emulating Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas”, McDonagh effectively employs voice over narration to capture gangsters facing tension. For instance, the narration elevates the crime views scene. During this unforgettable scene, Ray expresses strong views on crime through narration. Through narration, McDonagh creates a portrait of gangsters that audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a complex technique to use in films. As Edward Berger’s “Conclave” did suggest, silence enhances movies about religion. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a strong screenplay, McDonagh captures hitmen that face a price to pay.
One admires astonishing performances.
Ralph Fiennes delivers one of his greatest performances as Harry. Fiennes earned appreciation for playing evil commanders in history dramas. With “In Bruges”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t simple to portray a hitman that endured adversity but he succeededs. This is the actor you have ever seen him: intense; charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and grief of a hitman facing tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most beloved British actors today.
Finals “In Bruges” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing gangsters in city of Bruges. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles bold themes everyone would relate to. It discusses powerful themes including ambition, friendship and trauma which will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be Irish to appreciate it. Therefore, “In Bruges” is one of those rare crime movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Ralph Fiennes would absolutely enjoy “In Bruges” and so would audiences seeking enjoyable entertainment. A riveting crime drama; it honours a legendary actor with charisma.
Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking crime film about gangsters that face tension in Bruges, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated actor that has achieved a huge following through his abilities to portray compelling characters in memorable movies making headlines news that earn rave reviews.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 