It`s not humor or the setting or the plot (Ray killed a little boy and they are hiding out in Bruges) ,although those do help the film`s story but the most striking thing about this film is the characters which raises a few questions at the end of the movie for me.
First off it is important to note that Ray is a good fighter.It looks like has has street skills.And even when he and Ken talks they share stories of how they solved a conflict through violence.It`s quite funny watching two assassins/criminals talk about their work.

But this is the thing I felt was overlooked in this film by many viewers.

Look how interested Ray is in dwarfs or as he said “They filming midgets!” as he runs up to the set.How he nags the whole time while Ken reads his books.How he gets bored quickly,makes noises and drags his feet.
The meaning of the scene while that beautiful guitar plays as Ken gives a smile as Ray dresses himself in the mirror pulling weird faces and touching himself on the cheek.The Scene when he steals the drugs and bullets from Natalie`s apartment while that same music plays:like his scouring the cupboard for sweets.How he argues with the ‘American’ : “No it isn`t!”. How he pokes that small man in the head several times while he`s making out ,trying to get his attention,then says “why haven`tn you waved back at me when I waved at you?”
At the Art museum :Ray is more fascinated in a painting that looks like a depiction of the end of the world, but more like a children`s painting (Tea pots,shoes,bunnies,birds,tents etc.) as opposed to Ken`s more mature outlook on things (sight seeing,reading ,watching black and white films.)

Then there is the telephone conversation Ken and Harry has.Harry wants to know whether the ‘Boy likes’ Bruges,the sights ,the swans.He explains he loved it there when he was 7.And even when Yuri offered Harry dum-dum bullets.He held it like a sweet box and Harry took it.

There is a profound message in this film about the respect these three guys have for children.But the sad part is most of the comedy isn`t there just for comedy sake for example ; when Harry and Ray agree upon how they will proceed with the shoot off.They make rules so that both of them understand how the game will work and Harry agrees to this because Harry who might be his brother knows him well enough.Ray`s mind isn`t developed normally.I don`t think it`s trauma caused by the assassination of the priest but perhaps being an orphan.Maybe Harry and Ray was in Bruges when Harry was 7 and something bad happened.Maybe they aren`1t siblings at all,Perhaps Ken and Harry are.

But It still is very clear that Ray has a mind of child,If only his mannerism and attention span.He mostly thinks like an adult in some instances.His character isn`t metaphoric ,Ken and Harry struggle to understand each other view point`s regarding Ray`s mistake and his punishment…In the end it was a very sad film that out weighed the dark comedy we saw in the beginning.And it was a brilliant piece of writing.

sorry my friend enjoyed the review however tainted it is by the ‘smear’ which is akin to calling you americans british overlooking the 200 odd years of your achievement.

Holy cow am I embarrased! Thanks for pointing that out, it’s been fixed.

Vic

Vic