Movie Loner

I consider myself well informed geographically speaking, but I have to admit I never heard of Bruges prior to watching this movie. The tiny Belgian city has managed to maintain a low profile. Everyone knows about Brussels, not only the capital of Belgium but also the capital of the European Union. If your familiar with World War II history you know that a major battle was fought in Antwerp in 1944 with the British liberating the city from German occupation. As far as Bruges goes, I was at a loss until now. Thanks to In Bruges, I know a little bit more about Belgium.

Ken and Ray, two professional hitmen, just completed a bloody job in London. Ordered to lay low by their boss Harry, the two killers are sent to Bruges, a quaint medieval city located in Northern Belgium. Bruges, a colder, less romantic version of Venice, is definitely an acquired taste. Ken takes an immediate liking to the ancient architecture, quiet canals and cobbled streets, while Ray’s disdain is apparent due to his repeated use of the term “shithole.” Immersing himself in the Flemish culture, Ken makes the best of the situation. Ray, haunted by his actions in London, fights boredom by making a date with a local drug dealer named Chloe. Ken and Ray find themselves at a moral crossroads as both begin to question their current occupation.

A call from Harry further complicates things for the boys in Bruges. Ken is tasked with eliminating Ray, but his fatherly affection for the younger man prevents him from doing the deed. A softened Ken feels an obligation to keep Ray safe from harm. Enraged by Ken’s defiance, Harry heads for Bruges to confront his brazen employee. Harry’s arrival sets up a gruesome finale that reveals even killers operate by a code of conduct. Along the way we are introduced to an eclectic mix of characters that include a pregnant hotel owner, an obese American family, a perturbed Canadian couple and a dwarf actor, all of whom are vital parts to an intricate story.

Writer/Director Martin McDonagh crafts a darkly comic original script that is both odd and charming. His characters are multifaceted, conflicted people and therefore wholly human. Ken, Ray and Harry are all likable and amusing, but McDonagh doesn’t allow them to escape the consequences of their actions. They may be as normal as the next guy, but they are still murderers. Brendan Gleeson is superb playing the older, reflective Ken. Colin Farrell delivers one of his best performances as Ray, a moody romantic battling a host of demons. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Ralph Fiennes’ exact portrayal of psycho boss Harry. He is as funny as he is scary. In Bruges slipped through the cracks earlier this year but it is more than deserving of finding an audience.

The trailer for In Bruges: