In 2007, Bruges city centre was used as the setting for the American film In Bruges. Colin Farrell, Ralph Fiennes and Brendan Gleeson

were among the stars who headed over to Bruges for the filming.
Three scenes from the film were set in the private part of our bed and breakfast Number 11. If you wish, we will be happy to show you these beautiful locations.

In Bruges is a dark comedy about two hit men, Ray (Farrell) and Ken (Gleeson). After a difficult job in London, their team is sent to Bruges by boss Harry (Fiennes) to cool off. The men feel completely out of place among the Gothic buildings, canals and cobblestones in Bruges, and they fill their days sightseeing. Ray hates Bruges, but Ken can appreciate the beauty of the city.

Both are waiting desperately for a redeeming phone call from Harry to say that they can rejoin the big boys. The longer they wait, the more strange encounters the two of them have – with locals, tourists, medieval art, a dwarf and an American actor involved in a European film, Dutch prostitutes, and the mysterious Chloe.

The film was the directorial debut of Martin McDonagh who also wrote the screenplay. McDonagh previously worked in theatre, and won two Olivier Awards and four Tony Awards. He also wrote and directed the short film Six Shooter with Brendan Gleeson, for which he won an Oscar for best live-action short film in 2006.

The trailer’s worth a look and it’s always nice to see familiar buildings from Bruges in a foreign film. The story is somewhat reminiscent of Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. It’s certainly got just as much foul language.