In Bruges (2008)

After accidentally killing an innocent boy in London, hit men Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are sent to lay low in Bruges, Belgium. Told to act like sight-seeing tourists by their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes), the two professional have a difficult time adjusting to the fairytale town. Bored and trying to cope, Ray is spending his time drinking while Ken takes in the sites. Waiting it out begins to take its toll and the eclectic locals of Bruges soon have them in trouble.

Director and screenwriter Martin McDonagh's black comedy has a very human heart. Farrell and Gleeson have brilliant chemistry. Both trade barb for barb wonderfully. Farrell is the real surprise as Ray. The young man, sick and despairing after killing the little boy is reexamining his existence. Farrel plays him with real emotion and sardonic wit. Farrell is at the top of his game; he's moody, but his comedic sense of timing is spot-on. Ken is the seasoned professional and Gleeson plays him a cold mentorly-type until Bruges unlocks the tender, fatherly side of things. Ralph Fiennes, in a role as perverse as Amon Goeth, plays up his quirky crime boss perfectly.

Adding to the mayhem is a varied low of townsfolk, a midget, and couple of angry Canadians. McDonagh works every angle and it's easy to see the cast is relishing the work. Bruges is a character in its own right. The cobbled streets and medieval history of castles, spires, and churches is an odd setting. But under McDonagh's direction, it's alive and plans to sock you in the mouth.

The screenplay is existential, almost nihilistic, in nature, but McDonagh tempers the philosophy with sharp humor and brutality. By allowing our protagonists to stew on their recent actions, McDonagh opens the door for coping and each hit man does it his own way for hysterical, but decidedly morbid results. The film is simply full of crazy goodness with it's unexpected turns, provoking laughter or tears when their shouldn't be and causing the viewer to care for our conflicted criminals.

As I see it, In Bruges is brilliantly executed with top-notch performances, strong direction, and thought-provoking humanity amid memorable dialogue and stunning cinematography. What makes it a must see is the absurdity of it all.