In Bruges (Martin McDonagh 2008): UK

Two hit men walk into a bar one says, ‘this place is stupid’ the other says ‘ this place is a fairytale.’ While both have differing views of the area, both have one thing in common, to kill.

The new film “In Bruges” is set in the town of Bruges, Belgium, a small yet charming and historical town. After a job gone terribly, terribly wrong Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are sent to Bruges to stay out of sight while things cool off. The two continue to encounter the towns colorful heritage and people of the town including a snide midget, an overtly over-weight family and a beautiful drug dealer who works on movie sets. Ray continues to progress his distaste for the town saying things like ‘if I was born on a farm and was retarded’ to illustrate a point. The two central characters are in a sense the odd couple, in every sense of the phrase.

Farrell plays Ray with a bashful handsome dorky quality. His cursing is often followed by having his hands jammed in his pockets against the cold and against the town. Farrell’s facial expressions are a highlight of the film; every thought and emotion is conveyed with just a movement of an eyebrow.

Gleeson plays the more respectful of the two, wanting to walk around and view the sights and the fairytale quality of the town. His relationship is to Ray is fatherly with friendship. At times getting after Ray for not looking at the sights, as he should but always letting him just acts himself.

Ralph Fiennes plays the relentless hit boss out to get his two employees. Calling them in the hotel he expresses his anger with threats and thoughts of the town and how he wishes he could there as well. Fiennes has a villainous look to him, which may be why he was cast as Voldemort in the Harry Potter films.

The dialogue is at times hard to understand due to the characters thick Irish accents but you never become lost. This adds to the harsh but comedic situations. The script is filled with cussing and rude remarks. Often times at the expense of others, example midgets, but never the less they are hilarious.

The town of Bruges plays a magical backdrop to the harsh and unforgiving business that is the business of killing. At times, foggy and cold, the town is preparing for Christmas and the decorations are set. There were no cars in the city, at least any that stood out, only people and cobblestone roads. The town had a medieval feel that played well with the shooting and barbaric game of killing.

With two hit men walking into a bar the film impresses with comedy, action and plenty of violence. Not to mention a good story and pretty good acting. “In Bruges” presents a film of difference among others of its type.