The Bar

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Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, Clemence Poesy, Jeremie Renier

Director: Martin McDonagh

Writer(s): Martin McDonagh

Studio: Focus Features

Rating: R

Official Bar Score: 

“Murder, father.” “Why did you murder someone, Raymond?” “For money, father.” “For money? You murdered someone for money?” “Yes father. Not out of anger. Not out of nothing. For money.” “Who did you murder for money, Raymond?” “You, father.” “I’m sorry?” “I said you, father. What are you, deaf?” “Harry Waters says hello.”

Two Irish hit men, one unlikely (Ray-Colin Farell) and the other with quite a bit more experience under his belt (Ken-Brendan Gleeson) find themselves “in hiding” on their boss’ (Harry-Ralph Fiennes) orders in the most well-preserved medieval city within Belgium’s whole. Bruges is a fairy tale-esque city constructed of cobbled stone streets, beautiful canals, and amazing yet semi depressing gothic architecture. Ken, the more cultured and matured of the eclectic collective is falling in love with all the sights and marvels that the city offers up to the eye. Ray, who is suicidal and haunted by his past from his most recent London job gone sour, is more free spirited and fills his time w/ mischief and insult. The motley duo spend their time arguing over which ones taste of fulfillment and fun will seize the day as they anxiously await the next phone call from Harry. Along their journey of tourism and patience Ray and Ken encounter a diverse array of characters ranging from Dutch prostitutes, locals, and a dwarf American actor shooting a European art film.

Ray meets a potential romance interest in the form of Chloe (Clemence Poesy) and finds him self staggering across the line of love and lust while Kens heart has already been overtaken by the city. Finally, the next phone call from Harry comes. Now the odd and unorthodox “Christmas vacation” takes a twist for the worst as Ken struggles with a moral dilemma and Ray much to his own surprise lands him self in a life-and-death cat-and-mouse chase of demented yet comical proportions that could end with some rather emotional consequences. The plot unravels and the fun stops as the shooting and bloodshed begins. Even as hit men the gun toting foul mouthed pair attempt to preserve their gentlemanly code of ethics. They live lives of pain and principle, violence and virtue, and death and destiny. The two may have gotten lost in the labyrinth of the Flemish city’s architecture but they find “themselves” in the process of their own survival.

I loved this film. It was slow yet steady. The dialogue was massively entertaining and ever so comical, especially from Colin Farrell’s character Ray. The fast talking, sarcastically speaking Irishman’s vocabulary was nothing short of swears and insults through out. The situations were very random yet all just as important to the plot as the next. I particularly loved the conversation during the cocaine fueled midget/prostitute party! I have never heard of this film prior to watching so I went into it with no expectations and I was very impressed. It has drama, action, and comedy all thrown in a giant melting pot which is “In Bruges”. I strongly recommend this film!

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