Colin Farrell can actually act. (In Bruges (DVD))

Member Name: LaptopAcidX

Product:	In Bruges (DVD)
Date:	24/05/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The beginning, middle and end.

Disadvantages: Could be seen as too contrived.

I was somewhat ambivalent towards In Bruges when it was realeased at the cinema, but when it was Oscar nominated I became curious as it's not often an 18 rated Irish comedy thriller garners that sort of attention.

In addition to that, a work colleague raved about it when it came up in a conversation, so I decided to take the plunge and was pleasantly (not sure pleasant is the right word) surprised.

In Bruges is the story of two hit men Ray and Ken (Farrell and Gleeson) sent to the "boring" Belgian town of Bruges after bungling a job in the most horrific fashion by their psychotic boss Harry Waters (Ralph Fiennes). Whilst in Bruges they bicker often to hilarious effect and get into bizarre scrapes whilst waiting for Harry to instruct them what to do next. When the instruction comes the film easily slips from comedy to tense drama as loyalties and principals are tested.

The film is very much a parable about life and death, and whilst I was initially annoyed by the seemingly contrived ending on reflection it became apparent that In Bruges is a deep and meaningful meditation on the cyclic nature of life and that fate is unavoidable.

Most surprising is that it seems Colin Farrell can act, and not only that but actually elicit sympathy for a pretty nasty character. Gleeson is typically excellent and Ralph Fiennes is surprisingly good as the principled but totally insane gang boss Harry Waters.

In Bruges is beautifully shot, the cinematography turning the town of Bruges into another character that influences the story immeasurably. Martin McDonagh in his feature début does a superb job of directing his own script, creating a beautifully measured thriller that is genuinely touching, funny and horrific in equal measure.

Summary: Funny and violent with excellent performances.