In Bruges (2008)

Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges (2008) is a darkly comedic, deeply philosophical crime film set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Bruges, Belgium. With razor-sharp dialogue, unforgettable characters, and moral questions that linger long after the credits roll, the film has earned cult status.

Detailed Summary

A Hit Gone Wrong

The story centers around two hitmen, Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson), who are sent to lay low in Bruges after a job in London goes catastrophically wrong. Ray is racked with guilt, having accidentally killed a child during an attempted hit on a priest. Bruges, with its medieval charm, becomes a strange purgatory for the two men.

The Odd Couple Dynamic

Ken embraces the city’s history and calm, while Ray finds it intolerable, calling it a “shithole” repeatedly. Their odd-couple dynamic drives much of the film’s humor and emotional depth. Ray’s misery is compounded by guilt and self-hatred, while Ken grows increasingly paternal and concerned for Ray’s well-being.

The Arrival of Harry

Their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes), eventually enters the picture after learning about the accidental killing. Harry believes in a strict code: if you kill a child, you must pay the price. He instructs Ken to kill Ray. What follows is a complex moral tug-of-war—Ken cannot bring himself to do it and instead tries to help Ray escape.

The Bloody Climax

Ray’s suicide attempt is thwarted by Ken, but things spiral when Harry arrives in Bruges. A violent and ironic series of events unfolds: Ken sacrifices himself to warn Ray, and Harry, mistakenly believing he’s killed another child, takes his own life. The violence is brutal, but laced with dark irony and tragic inevitability.

Ray’s Redemption Arc

The film ends ambiguously as Ray, badly wounded, is rushed to the hospital. In voiceover, he reflects on his past actions and wonders if he might be able to live—and atone. The question of whether he survives is left open.

Movie Ending

Ray is shot multiple times by Harry after a chaotic chase through Bruges, including a surreal encounter with a film set involving a dwarf in surreal costume (more on that later). As he’s carried away on a stretcher, he reflects on life, guilt, and redemption. The movie ends on a haunting note, with Ray saying:
“I really, really hoped I wouldn’t die.”

It’s not clear if he lives or dies, and that uncertainty is part of the film’s brilliance—leaving the audience with the same unresolved guilt and moral ambiguity Ray carries.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, In Bruges does not have a post-credits scene. Once the credits roll, the story is done—no hidden moments or Marvel-style surprises.

Type of Movie

In Bruges is best categorized as a dark comedy / crime drama. It deftly blends existential themes with violent outbursts and hilariously inappropriate dialogue. Think of it as a mix between a tragic Shakespearean tale and a Monty Python skit, but with more blood and f-bombs.

Cast

• Colin Farrell as Ray
• Brendan Gleeson as Ken
• Ralph Fiennes as Harry Waters
• Clémence Poésy as Chloë
• Jérémie Renier as Eirik
• Jordan Prentice as Jimmy (the dwarf actor)

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Carter Burwell, known for his minimalist, melancholic tones. The music reflects Bruges’ Gothic aesthetic and the film’s emotional undercurrents—sad, eerie, and beautiful all at once.

Filming Locations

The entire film was shot on location in Bruges, Belgium, and the city itself is almost a character in the film. From the canals to the bell tower to the medieval architecture, Bruges provides a stunning and ironic backdrop for a story about death, guilt, and moral reckoning. Tourists still flock to specific filming spots thanks to the movie.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Award Nomination: Best Original Screenplay (Martin McDonagh)
• BAFTA Win: Best Original Screenplay
• Golden Globe Win: Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy (Colin Farrell)
• Multiple wins and nominations at indie film festivals and critics’ circles.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Martin McDonagh wrote the screenplay in under two weeks.
• The character of Ray was written with Colin Farrell in mind.
• Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell got so into character they often stayed in Bruges even on days off.
• The bell tower scene was incredibly dangerous; safety crews were always on hand.
• The film was McDonagh’s feature-length debut, after success with his short film Six Shooter (which also starred Gleeson).

Inspirations and References

• The film is inspired by Catholic themes of purgatory and redemption, which align with Ray and Ken’s moral dilemmas.
• McDonagh was heavily influenced by theater, especially Samuel Beckett—evident in the absurd dialogue and existential questioning.
• The title is a meta-joke in itself. “In Bruges” sounds like a calm vacation title for what is essentially a bloody morality tale.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no officially released alternate endings, but early drafts of the script featured more closure—McDonagh chose to cut these in favor of the ambiguous, haunting ending. Some deleted scenes involve more banter between Ray and Chloë, which were cut for pacing.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is not based on a book, though its tone and structure often feel literary. It’s an original screenplay by McDonagh, although it shares thematic DNA with classic noir novels and Catholic guilt dramas.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Ken standing atop the bell tower, torn between duty and morality.
• Ray’s drunken outburst at dinner, offending the Canadian tourists.
• The surreal film shoot featuring the dwarf in a dream sequence.
• The final chase through Bruges’ historic streets and alleys.

Iconic Quotes

• “Maybe that’s what hell is: the entire rest of eternity spent in f***ing Bruges.”
• “You’re an inanimate f***ing object!”
• “You’ve got to stick to your principles.”
• “I didn’t even know he was a lollipop man!”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The movie being filmed inside the movie, with the dwarf actor and dream sequences, is a reference to Don’t Look Now (1973), a psychological thriller also set in a European city with a tragic tone.
• Ray’s hotel room has paintings of the Last Judgment, mirroring his internal battle.
• The bell tower’s height matches that of Dante’s descent through hell—another possible purgatory reference.

Trivia

• Colin Farrell claims this is one of his favorite performances.
• The F-word is used over 120 times in the film.
• The film has developed a cult following, especially among Irish audiences.
• The dwarf actor, Jordan Prentice, previously appeared in Howard the Duck.

Why Watch?

Watch In Bruges if you want a film that makes you laugh, think, and then feel guilty for laughing. It’s a masterclass in dialogue, character development, and moral complexity. The visuals are hauntingly beautiful, and the themes are universal: guilt, redemption, and friendship.

Director’s Other Movies

• Seven Psychopaths (2012)
• Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
• The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Pulp Fiction (1994)
• Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
• The Guard (2011)
• The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
• Snatch (2000)
• The Lobster (2015)