The film begins with Ray being in Bruges, a place he doesn't want to be in. It ends with him in an ambulance riddled with bullets narrating that he believes an eternity in Bruges to be a possibility for what hell is like, and he hopes he doesn't die. With that said, this film is about how much change can occur within one place and yet you are stuck right where you are, and in an even worse circumstance than before. Analysis: you can't escape the horrors of life.
This is exactly what Ray is experiencing in this film. He's completed his hit in London, but also killed an innocent child. He's riddled with guilt internally--his own private hell. And in Bruges he's faced now with a boss, Harry who wants him executed and a mentor and friend, Ken who is ready to carry out Harry's kill order. What keeps Ray alive is his remorse. His desire to take his own life creates an opportunity for forgiveness and redemption from Ken, who gives it to him. But even though Ken believes in second chances, Harry does not and he comes to Bruges to murder Ray. This concept tells us that redemption is only for certain crimes, and that the death of a child is unforgivable in some eyes, while in others there is forgiveness and the opportunity to be redeemed through a life well lived for our wrongs.
Harry becomes the constant force attempting to destroy Ray and Ken becomes a guardian angel of sorts willing to give his life so that Ray may live. And both of these forces play towards Ray's inner life and external well-being as he deals with the death of this child. In the end, Ray remains in Bruges which he believes to be what hell will be. And his hope that he won't die is his expression that he wants to be redeemed.
