Little Gem

Rating: 8/10 (1 November 2008)

I must start this review by stating that even tough I love the big, epic, genre-defining, multi-million dollar, all time and all new classics, my greatest pleasure in cinema is to stumble upon the little movie. Not little on budget(even if it happens to be true many times), but a movie that is restrained in scale, that has but a few characters and a simple premise; a movie that expects nothing of itself but to be what it is. In one word: SIMPLICITY!
If you read Tolstoy, you soon realize that in his writing the biggest remarks on human nature are expressed in the most beautifully simplified verse. It holds true to all arts that, through simplicity and showing nothing more than a detail, you get a more accurate display of life.
"In Bruges" is such a gem. Perfect as it is. Shot in the beautiful city of Bruges, to which we are introduced by some of the most beautiful(and some times hilarious) footage I have ever seen-one where a dog looks from the window to the street like an old lady burns into the memory fast. The acting, as it always happens in such small movies, is what carries the film. Great acting all around with the grand prize going to Colin Farell who seems to be on top form after giving up alcohol. A very nuanced performance from a truly great actor.
Overall, this is the most enjoyment I have taken from cinema this year. Fun, layered, meaningful and a treat to the eyes.
8/10