In Bruges

I recently caught "In Bruges" at the local multiplex -- not because Colin Farrell has ever done much for me, but because I'm a sucker for the postcard film. Being a born travel daydreamer, I will more often than not go to any movie that showcases a foreign locale on the big screen. I was pleasantly surprised about not only the gorgeous, well-preserved medieval European town of Bruges, but also that the film itself was quite good.

Bruges, located in the northwest corner of Belgium, is thought to be Europe's best remaining example of a medieval town. Complete with canals and stunning architecture, it seems to be a wonderfully interesting cultural stop even without the chocolate (but what a bonus!)

Postcard films are not a new idea. The Bond films (and now also the Bourne films) do a great job of totting you around the globe in a couple of hours -- giving you postcard snapshots of places to add to your daydreaming list. Out of Africa, arguably my favorite film of all time, is a fantastic film for many reasons, but not the least of which is the cinematography of a land I hope to visit one day. And the hope that the landscape still resembles that same breathtaking natural vastness once I arrive.