Another terrific film from the U.K.

Rating: 8/10 (26 November 2008)

This is the first feature film of director Martin McDonagh. His previous foray into film was the short, "Six Shooter" which, come to think of it, would be an ideal addition when "In Bruges" is released on DVD. "In Bruges" is a superior English gangster film, similar, but not an echo of those two other great English gangster films, "The Long Good Friday" and "Sexy Beast" Indeed, the Harry Waters character played with venomous realism by Ralph Fiennes is strikingly similar to the Don Logan character (played with even more toxicity by Ben Kingsley), in "Sexy Beast" But there is where any resemblance ends. Whereas the "The Long Good Friday" was about power and how easily it can slip through one's fingers, and "Sexy Beast" was about a retired criminal being persuaded to carry out one last job, "In Bruges" is about the aftermath of a 'hit.' Ray and Ken (Farrell and Gleeson respectively), play two hit men. The film opens with postcard scenes of the old city of Bruges in Belgium, while a voice over explains why these two men find themselves in this ancient city. Ken is the more pragmatic of the two. He is quite content to do a spot of 'sightseeing.'while awaiting further instructions. Ray on the other hand, thinks Bruges is a dump. Ray just wants to get back to the city he was born in, Dublin. But, as the film progresses, it's gradually revealed why both men have to hang around, till they receive these 'further instructions.' When the instructions finally comes, is not what we expect. Both Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell, are terrific, especially Farrell as Ray. The supporting cast is equally good  Jordan Prentice as "Jimmy, Zeljko Ivanek as the 'Canadian", and Eric Godon as 'Yuri" There were a few instances in the film I found somewhat confusing  but to list them would be both superfluous, unnecessary, and would spoil other film goers enjoyment. "In Bruges" is a rollicking yarn, expertly crafted, with great dialogue and many an unexpected plot twist. I recommend it unreservedly.