Dark, funny, haunting and human are just some descriptions I take away from watching In Bruges for the second time. On watching this again I was sceptical that it wouldn't hold up, but I think I saw more of the film this rime than last. Martin McDonagh wrote this and directed it too. It is wonderfully written and Bruges itself seems like a cinematographer's dream.

The acting in this is ace. Colin Farrell gives s his best performance since Tigerland I feel. His character Ray is so easy to relate to. He is bored shitless while in Bruges, but that is only a background scene for the inner termoil of Ray, which we understand and pity immidiately. He is childlike and funny, yet so sad and black, and understandably so.
Ken (Brendan Gleeson) is, in parts, his opossite, but in reality is Ray's guidance through this most difficult time. Ken loves the scenery and everything about Bruges, and is easily pissed off by Ray's lack of interest.
Ralph Fiennes is Harry the gang boss. In one sense he is a horrible person, who is immidiately registered as the bad guy. But in another sense he is a very human and realisitic character and quite likeable.

I really liked the sometime use of a handheld shot in this, and the pituresque views of Bruges. Again, great cinematography.

Extras: The gag reel is worth looking at and shows even more that Farrell and Gleeson had a blast making this.
The deleted scenes are hot and cold. You can see why each was cut but not all for the same reason. Some are gone just to make time. Others if left in would have created such different atmosphers in the film. Either a REALLY charming comedy or a REALLY dark dark drama.
There are 4 featurettes also. "When In Bruges" being one that documents the making of, worth a peek. Another is "F$@king Bruges", which pieces together all the F'ing and blinding. This reminded me of Scarface to be honest.

All in all I think In Bruges is such a good film and worth owning on DVD.
7.5 / 10