Brügge sehen... und sterben? (In Bruges)
U.K./Belgium 2008

Opening 15 May 2008

Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Writing credits: Martin McDonagh
Principal actors: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, Elizabeth Berrington, Eric Godon

In Bruges is the story of a couple of hired killers who actually don't seem all that bad in the beautiful setting of Bruges. Their organization is run by Harry (Ralph Fiennes in a tiny role), who believes that murderers should have principles. When young, inexperienced Ray (Colin Farrell) shoots a child by mistake in London, Harry feels Ray should have killed himself immediately. He sends Ray and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) to Belgium to await his further instructions. For Ray this "vacation" is unbearable.  He, at first, doesn't realize he is waiting for Harry to organize his death, but he does know that Bruges is not for him.  He misses his hometown of Dublin. Ken, on the other hand, loves the place. He is enthralled by the picturesque streets and the medieval architecture. The two men pass the time together with lots of conflicts about what to do and see but all the while also getting into more personal territory and discussing their beliefs. In the end, Ken cannot bring himself to follow Harry's order to shoot Ray. Harry, who until that point has only been seen conducting his short phone calls from Ireland, shows up in person and the climatic shoot-out – quite violent – ends the whole episode. Many shots of Ken up close and beautiful scenes of the city were great cinematography, but the politically incorrect jibes (supposedly black humor) weren't my cup of tea. (Thelma Freedman)