what a charming and sentimental killer!

Rating: 8/10 (23 February 2011)

Bruges is a city full of middle-aged buildings in Belgium, and that makes this place a wonderful choice for sight-seeing. However, Ray might not agree with that since he keeps describing this place as a xx hole, and that's how the story begins
Two professional killers in Bruges, with no one to kill and no mission to accomplish, which gives the most desperate condition you can imagine for a professional killer. The scenario is full of black humor that makes the story almost like a fairy tale, while there is obvious no happy ending of the story. The most ironic thing is their over reacted behavior toward the accidental killing of the little girl considering the jobs they do is about killing all the time. Somehow, it becomes unbearable when it comes to the little girl, for what? Maybe it's their remaining conscience or the so-called self-esteem. This is just weird to see such sentimental professional killers, but funny parts like Ken saved Ray from suicide the time he was supposed to kill him clearly described that all of them are not traditional killers, but with merciful heart.
Colin Farrell's best achievement in acting, the lovely accent, incurably sentimental and great sense of humor made this extremely bizarre character, yet adorable! How strange that a professional killer appears so charming and compassionate, and even stranger is that we all buy it after he actually finished his first assassination. As to Brendan Gleeson, all the jokes and funny stuff wouldn't be so convincing if it's not for him, and the jumping scene, especially the jumping scene, is when he stands out in the movie and makes unforgettable impressions to the audiences. Last but not least, Ralf Fiennes plays his role like he always did, struggling between friendship and morality, not to mention his unshakable dignity for being a professional killer. There is just too much fun to watch all the chemistry and jokes they have made.
The most touching scene is no doubt the time when Ken jumped off the tower to warn Ray about his danger, which made the most serious chapter of the story and leaves no debate about the reality. In other words, it just states that this is not joking for god's sake!