'In Bruges'

Rating: 8/10 (30 September 2018)

'In Bruges' is the directorial debut of Irish director Martin McDonagh who has recently become known for 'dramadies' such as 'Seven Psychopaths' and 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.'
McDonagh has written and directed a brilliant film, balancing tonal extremes masterfully. It contains hilarious comedy, dark, emotional moments and graphic violence, yet none ever feels out of place. All these elements are balanced with skill.
The hitmen portryed by Colin Farrel and Brendan Gleason are developed subtly as the story progresses. Ralph Fiennes also delivers a fiercely profane, hilariously entertaining performance as their uncompromising boss.
The setting of 'Bruges' is used by McDonagh with precision, introducing its aspects subtly throughout the script with later payoffs, such as the tower and canal. By the time the climactic action takes place, we already know the town of 'Bruges' and its basic geography as well as the characters.
Similarly to McDonagh's other films, he does not shy away from extremities in the script. Characters say things which you would not usually hear in a film, making them feel more realistic, and also hilarious, although definitely not to everyone. I definitely found it extremely funny, with smarter comedy than most actual straight 'comedy' films that are released currently.