3) In Bruges (2008)
Martin McDonagh’s bleaker-than-bleak crime comedy is a Christmas story, in that it’s set during the festive season and poses a question of morality. Hit man Ray (Colin Farrell) bungles a job he was supposed to undertake for crime boss Harry Waters (Ralph Fiennes). The task was intended to result in the death of a priest in a church, but also accidentally ended the life of a child. Unhappy with their performance, and troubled by the moral quandary he finds himself in, Harry instructs Ray and his superior Ken (Brendan Gleeson) to hide out in Bruges, Belgium, until he decides what to do to resolve the situation.
While in Bruges, Ray reveals himself to be less than enamoured with the city, while Ken takes a much calmer approach to their enforced sabbatical. Ray is dealing with the trauma of his actions, while Ken finds a new appreciation for the wonder of life. Harry sends instructions to Ken, however, ordering him to kill Ray as punishment for killing an innocent child – and Harry’s more optimistic outlook renders him unable to complete the job assigned. While the pair bond with the local people, and Ray finds a romantic entanglement, Harry heads for Bruges to sort the two hit men out himself.
There are several religious overtones threaded throughout In Bruges, but it is the Christmas setting coupled with the moral quandary that makes it a great choice for an alternative festive film.