In Bruges is not a comedy. Atleast not the usual slapstick type of humour. It charters the path of ‘dark humour’ and does so very very very nicely. Its also one of those movies that you don’t take to instantaneously. After about a nice 15-20 minutes into the narrative does it grow on you. And thereafter every reel that passes is magical.

In Bruges tells the tale of two hitmen Ken(Brendan Gleeson) and Ray(Colin Farrell) who are told to spend 2 weeks in Bruges after a job goes wrong. Their boss Harry Waters(Ralph Fiennes) tells them he will call and give further instructions. In the time, the two men roam around the medieval city of Bruges, through art galleries, meeting tourists, a dwarf film actor, a pretty cocaine dealer. While one loves the whole medieval town experience, the other hates ‘f*****g’ Bruges.

The story gets more and more interesting and infact the 2nd half is extremely well written. Wonderfully witty lines dot the film evenly and frequently. Typically British humour.

Brendan Gleeson does really well as the principled, caring hitman. A man who believes in religion and is fairly educated about the world. A man who believes people need a second chance. One who stands by his friends in bad times. A brilliant performance. Ralph Fiennes has a small role but he excels. Comes across as the principled gangster that he is. Clemence Poesy has a small but important role. She gives Colin Farrell what he craves most…..company. The true winner however is Colin Farrell…..he’s become only better with every film. I liked him in Phonebooth and I loved him in this film. He’s the hitman with a heart, a guilt conscience, a vulnerable kid who is learning the ropes.

A special mention would be the writing aspect. Dialogues are wonderfully written. Pay great attention. Every line is witty and helps establish the characters really well. The bond between the two hitmen is also very well written. Perfect writing i’d say. You can’t help but feel for both specially after the interval.

It would be erroneous not to mention Eigil Bryld. Bruges must indeed be beautiful. But the perspectives the DOP has captured make you want to take the next plane to Bruges. He’s made maximum use of the Low Angle and the Dutch Angle. Some of the best shots are captured with the Establishing Long Shot. Its so pretty, that even someone like me who has no real respect and value(I know i’m a daft prick) for ancient structures feel like going to Bruges. I’d say even if you don’t like dark humour, you can watch the film simply to see a stunning medieval town captured wonderfully on celluloid. Its the next best thing to being there in person.

All in all ‘In Bruges’ is a very well made film. Highly recommended for witty dialogues, beautiful cinematography and a knock out performance by Colin Farrell.