Watch First. Thank Me Later.

Rating: Null/10 (25 July 2016)

A swiftly paced, endlessly entertaining & downright hilarious tale about tragedy, guilt, friendship & principles, all pierced with one witty line after another, Martin McDonagh's feature film debut is an expertly directed, cleverly scripted & splendidly performed black comedy that not only ranks amongst the best films of its year but is also one of the most accomplished works of its genre.
Set in the medieval city of Bruges, Belgium, In Bruges tells the story of two London-based hit men who are asked to lie low in Bruges for a while & await further instructions from their employer after their latest hit goes horribly wrong. The city affects both of them as one is completely enamoured by its culture while the other absolutely detests it but things change when next instructions finally arrive.
Written & directed by Martin McDonagh, In Bruges brims with a fresh, invigorating energy and is highly gripping from start to finish. McDonagh's work behind the camera is no doubt impressive but the screenplay he penned down is even better. Packed with sharp humour & memorable one- liners, the scripted tale retains its lighthearted tone even in serious moments and is just as funny as it is thrilling.
Shot in exotic locations, the city of Bruges comes alive in vivid detail and while the film captures its old-fashioned vibe & way of living in an evocative manner, it also doesn't shy away from poking fun of the same from time to time. Cinematography infuses the tale with neo-noir elements, the pacing is smooth & steady, there isn't one dull scene in the final print, and Carter Burwell's score fits the premise beautifully.
Coming to the performances, In Bruges features a talented cast in Collin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson & Ralph Fiennes, along with a couple more, and since their respective characters already exhibit an interesting arc, the actors are able to build their work on a solid platform. The chemistry between Farrell & Gleeson is delightful but Fiennes isn't far behind either & steals pretty much every scene in the supporting role of Harry, their employer.
On an overall scale, In Bruges is a thoroughly enjoyable, wildly entertaining & immensely satisfying crime-drama that scores high marks in all departments of filmmaking and is further boosted by its pitch black humour & committed performances. A surprisingly effective marriage of comedy, crime & drama that has the ability to evoke rib-tickling laughter from its audience in the most unexpected ways, In Bruges is an instant classic that's every bit worthy of its cult status. Highly recommended.