Beautifully Dark and Funny, yet Intelligent

Rating: Null/10 (28 January 2009)

When I first saw the previews for In Bruges, I didn't really expect much. But wow, it really surprised me. I wasn't only entertained, but it actually was a really good film. This is Martin McDonagh first feature film after winning an Oscar for Best Live Action Short, a few years back.
In Bruges is labeled as a "Dark Comedy" type of film. However, it is more dark, than comedic. (Which is a good thing) I expected something more of a regular comedy that tried to take itself top seriously by adding the crime aspects to it. It's actually more of a crime/drama type with a lot of added humor/comedic situations and it works quite well.
It's shot entirely in Bruges, Belgium. The backdrop scenes are beautiful. It shows the classic, older style of architecture of Western Europe. Amazing cinematography. Cool, dark colors, set up the tone and style of the film.
You know the plot, two hit men reside in Bruges after a botched job. They wait for a call from their boss to hear what to do next. Seems simple, right? Well it is, That's what I like about it. It's simple, but to the point. The writing is what carries the film. It makes everything interesting. Tremendous, witty dialogue throughout the film, which also receives recognition with an Oscar nomination.
I was pleasantly surprised with Colin Farrell. He really gives a great performance and fits extremely well in to role. Earns a lot more respect with this performance. As a hit man, he is surprisingly sympathetic. Brendon Gleeson is also solid in his role. He is a tough guy with a streak of humanity. They seem to work together well. Ralph Fienees also appears in a supporting role. He shows his evil sides, but is quite funny as well. There is a variety of different, quirky characters ranging from the two hit-man, an extremely overweight family, a local love interest, to a midget in a film production. Overrall, solid performances all around.
I appreciated the "dark comedy" and with the moral complexity of the characters' inner struggles. They're hit men, but they are oddly interesting and seem much more like us than we may think. It makes for a very satisfying film, one that is much more than just entertainment. It's an interesting film, that deserves to be looked into some time.