Surprisingly entertaining

Rating: 9/10 (18 August 2008)

When 'In Bruges' was first released, I originally didn't pay much attention to it, dismissing it (in a very stereotypical and naive fashion) as an under-the-radar box-office flop. How wrong I was.
The film begins by gradually introducing the film's setting and characters; Ray, here played by Colin Farrell, initially has very little idea where or what Bruges is, or what its culture and traditions entail. Therefore this helps the audience to identify with his character, in that he is struggling to understand his current situation and how to act. Ken (Brendan Gleeson) seems to take the role of mentor at first, however as the film progresses so does his relationship with Ray, finally arriving at a point where they have a mutual friendship.
To me this film seemed to be more of an action film sprinkled with dark and comic humour, rather than a comedy film with action fitted in; the second half of the film seems to reflect the former. The tone of the film shifts entirely, transforming what was once a rather light-hearted exploration of the city and the characters, into a dark, relentlessly-paced endgame.
The acting from both Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson is spot-on, not only settling into their characters well but humanising them; Farrell plays the role of lovable rogue Ray who's busy wrestling with his conscience, whilst Gleeson portrays a middle-aged, world-weary hit-man who'd rather hand in his gun in favour of sightseeing and Belgian culture. A star turn from Ralph Fiennes also, as a truly intimidating Harry Waters.
Overall, a very well-written and superbly handled piece of film-making, proving once more that quality movies do not have to include bucket-loads of CGI effects and over-the-top shootouts and car chases to impress.