A highly enjoyable, multi-layered beauty of a film

Rating: 9/10 (19 April 2008)

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but every expectation I had was exceeded. It worked on so many levels. There were times when I was still laughing about a scene, when something more serious or moving happened to stop me dead in my tracks, and vice versa. But this didn't make it feel bitty as with poor editing, but quite a roller-coaster due to a sublime knack for timing.
The dialogue was sharp, witty and at times poignant. Some of the conversations were just downright hilarious. Others so 'real', you knew you were listening to the work of a talented, perceptive writer.
The acting was first rate throughout. Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell were outstanding (CF's performance should have his critics eating their words), yet I think the standard of the smaller roles really helped to take this film beyond a vehicle for the leads. Special mention to the hotel owner 'Natalie' (Elizabeth Berrington).
The characterisation was spellbinding too. Just watch and see how subtly you're made to empathise with quite 'unsavoury' characters i.e., the skinhead 'puff' mugger, and how the leads, although so intellectually opposite, compliment each other and draw you in with their honesty, and even their morality.
Even beautiful, dull Bruges, as a setting, is perfect.
For me, it's one of those films that doesn't simply wash over you and rinse off. You absorb it, and are therefore touched by it.
Brilliant!