Blu-Ray Review: In Bruges

Today, Belgium is a multi-cultural mecca which attracts visitors from all around the world. However, it wasn’t so long ago that it was considered one of the continent’s least appetising holiday destinations. Despite hosting the European Parliament, back in 2008 the low country was still quite frankly considered to be a bit dull, grey and boring. It wasn’t exactly considered to be a blessing to be stuck In Bruges.

Ray (Colin Farrell), a young hitman, and his mentor Ken (Brendan Gleeson) have been ordered by their boss to hole-up in Bruges. Harry (Ralph Fiennes) is not happy. After Ray accidentally killed a kid on a job, they’ve been ordered to lay low in the city and await further instructions. Ken fancies a spot of sightseeing but his partner is extremely unimpressed. That is until he meets a mysterious production assistant (Clémence Poésy) on a film set.

In Bruges is one of the funniest films of this century. This is largely down to Martin McDonagh’s writing. It’s line after line of quotable, outlandish and hilarious dialogue. However, his film wouldn’t work without such a great cast. The chemistry between Gleeson and Farrell is brilliant. As is the racist dwarf. There’s one thing I can guarantee, you’ll never be bored In Bruges.

Special features:

Six Shooter: Martin McDonagh’s Oscar Winning Short Film in HD
Shoot First, Sightsee Later: A New Interview with Director of Photography Eigil Bryld
Finding the Rhythm: A New Interview with Editor Jon Gregory
Finding Bruges: A New Interview with Production Designer Michael Carlin
The Alcove Guy: A New Interview with Actor Eric Godon
When in Bruges – interviews with cast and crew and on-set footage
Strange Bruges interviews with cast and crew and on-set footage
Deleted Scenes
Boat Trip Around Bruges
Gag Reel
Optional English subtitles for the hard of hearing

Limited edition contents:

Rigid slipcase featuring new artwork by Thomas Walker
Faber and Faber screenplay with exclusive cover artwork by Thomas Walker
50-page soft cover book with new writing by Ian Christie, Dr Eamonn Jordan (author of From Leenane to LA: The Theatre and Cinema of Martin McDonagh) and Bomb Magazine archive interview with Martin McDonagh.