"Intermission" is a lot like love itself: sometimes messy, sometimes sweet, sometimes bittersweet, sometimes even painful.

That's certainly appropriate, considering that this Irish import eventually turns into a romantic comedy — albeit at the very end. Up to that point, it's also something of a caper comedy, a character study and even a bit of a thriller.

"Intermission" may remind moviegoers of the 1999 cult hit "Go." But this one is more uneven and not nearly as clever in its plotting . . . although it does have at least one smart, enjoyable twist.

Like "Go," "Intermission" is also extremely foul-mouthed, even nasty. So it's definitely not for all tastes.

The title refers to the recent break-up of young lovers John (Cillian Murphy) and Deirdre (Kelly Macdonald). John is having a hard time of it, but Deirdre has already moved on — into a relationship with a middle-aged married man, Sam (Michael McElhatton). That's left Sam's wife (Deirdre O'Kane) looking for love. And also looking for love are Deirdre's sister (Shirley Henderson) and John's best friend (David Wilmot).

"Intermission" doesn't stop there, however. Among its other numerous subplots are bits involving a petty thug (Colin Farrell), a tough-guy cop (Colm Meaney), a television reporter (Tomas O'Suilleabhain) and a mischievous young boy (Taylor Molloy).

Screenwriter Mark O'Rowe's ability to pull all this together and eventually tie up all the loose ends is astonishing. And director John Crowley wisely tries to keep things as light as he possibly can.

Not all the characters and subplots are as interesting as others, but when it works, it's due to the efforts of up-and-comer Murphy, and both Meaney and Farrell. (Those who stay through the end-credits will hear a punked-up cover of "I Fought the Law," sung by Farrell.)

"Intermission" is rated R for frequent use of strong sexual profanity and sexual slang terms, violence (shootings, fisticuffs, vehicular and even some violence against women), simulated sex, brief drug content (possession of methamphetamines), brief male nudity and brief gore. Running time: 106 minutes.

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