How can a film be increadibly gloomy, funny, touching, artistically fulfilling, and, catching at the same time? With “In Bruges” we see it is possible. The film is both; a visual fiest of medeival architecture of the well preserved city of Bruges, and a good example of English black comedy.

The scenes of the city create a sublime atmosphere in the film, and overwhelm you to go there, and the dialogues, contradicting the atmosphere of the city, are full of slang and comic remarks displaying the humanistic side of two Irish hitmen trying, however failing, not to catch attention.

The language is goofy and sly, to the extent of mocking midgets and the Americans, and the acting is touching; especially Brendan Gleeson who plays the mature hitman Ken always looking out for his rookie partner Ray (Colin Farrell), who are two Irish hitmen told to “lay low” in Bruges for two weeks by their boss’, after a job that has gone terribly wrong.

It’s not surprising that the Director Martin McDonagh is an Irish play-writer who has won the Oscar for his short film “Six Shooter” last year. McDonagh has done a well job with his fellow Irishmen Farrell and Gleeson. Finally, Ralph Fiennes also displays some surprising acting. After we have gotten used to his sophisticated English accent and role accordingly, we see him as a Cockney speaking gangster boss from London, reminding us of Michael Caine.

The only bad thing about the movie is the poster. It underrates the quality of the film by presenting it as a thrilling action movie (which is what I thought it was). The poster also doesn’t give Brendan Gleeson the credits he deserves since he plays the pivot role of the whole film. However, as much as I like surprises, despite the promotion, this film well overcame my expectations.

This is one of the most impressive movies I’ve ever watched. I sincerely recommend “In Bruges” as a film of both artistic and cinematographic quality.