It's a refreshing contrast to the mediocre fare filling up the muliplexes at this time of year.

Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are terrific as hit men hiding out in the Belgian city of Bruges after an assassination in Dublin that went horribly wrong.

Written and directed by Irish playwright, Martin McDonagh, this smart well written movie is full of unsavory characters, darkly funny dialogue, and a small amount of bloody violence.

Farrell is Ray, a brash, none too bright assassin with a guilty conscience. Farrell's ability to express all Ray's contradictions is remarkable. This guy can really act.

His partner Ken, played by Brendan Gleeson, is a world weary killer who appreciates the chance to spend some down time in the beautiful medieval city of Bruges.

The two have been sent there by their boss, the perpetually angry Ralph Fiennes who has plans he hasn't told them about yet.

The strong drama underlying all the film's dark humor is based on some surprising revelations that I don't want to give away. Suffice it to say that Ray feels guilty and miserable because he killed someone he wasn't supposed to shoot. And that Ken wants to help his young partner, but he can't.

"In Bruges" may remind you of "Pulp Fiction," but it has a creativity and originality all its own.

If you aren't offended by profane language, check out "In Bruges" at Kahala Mall, the only place it's showing.

---