
A Somewhat Gentle Man
2010, Crime/Comedy, 1h 45m
28 Reviews 2,500+ RatingsYou might also like
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Ulrik

Rune Jensen
Rolf
Karen Margrethe
Sven
Kristian
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Critic Reviews for A Somewhat Gentle Man
All Critics (28) | Top Critics (13) | Fresh (24) | Rotten (4)
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Skarsgard, who is perhaps best known for "Good Will Hunting" and "Breaking the Waves," makes the most of his rich role, imbuing Ulrik with a knockabout charm.
March 18, 2011 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
"A Somewhat Gentle Man'' is welcome, in part because Skarsgrd is almost the whole show but also because the actor doesn't use the role as an excuse to put on a big performance - to do more. On the contrary, he quite wonderfully does less.
February 24, 2011 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Skarsgrd's performance is a tragicomic wonder, and a rare chance for him to show his gifts at feature length.
February 4, 2011 | Rating: B | Full Review… -
Only an actor of Skarsgard's resources could do so little and make such a big impression.
February 3, 2011 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review… -
Like the Coen brothers at their least convincing, the mix of low-grade depression and amped quirkiness never shakes off the feel of self-conscious posturing.
January 27, 2011 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
Every stunted, turnip-faced character is dressed for maximum drabness, and the only time the sky isn't drily gray is when it's wet with rain or snow. But Skarsgard's utter finesse in the role provides a satisfying warmth.
January 20, 2011 | Rating: B | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for A Somewhat Gentle Man
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Apr 29, 2012A recently released convict adjusts to life outside and the temptations to avenge his imprisonment. Is this a comedy or a drama? The box art has critics' comments that lead me to believe it's a comedy, but the subject matter is remarkably slow and often dark. The comic elements, which allowed me a few minor grins, were quite broad like Ulrik's son's insouciant treatment of the difference between Ulrik and his new family and Ulrik's sexual escapades with his landlord. But the film is inconsistent, often asking us to take seriously Ulrik's moral conundrum, and Stellan Skarsgard's understated performance is more what we're used to seeing in a high-minded drama. Regardless of its inconsistencies, I found <i>A Somewhat Gentle Man</i> entertaining and easy-to-watch. Its pace is slow, but its characters are ultimately interesting. Overall, I liked <i>A Somewhat Gentle Man</i> a little more than somewhat.Jim H Super Reviewer
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Apr 24, 2012Norwegian black comedy/drama at its best. Real characters. Pathetic at times. Funny at times. Rather slow moving, but done in the right way. This is one of those films that draws you in until the end. Well done...Cynthia S Super Reviewer
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Apr 12, 2012Pretty damn good movie overall. As with a lot of movies it drags a bit in the middle but it's got a solid story of a man trying to redeem himself and turn over a new leaf, great performance from Stellan and some very funny moments (with probably some of the funniest sex scenes I've ever seen). I'd recommend it, it's a very good movie with some flaws.Jesse O Super Reviewer
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Mar 25, 2012"A Somewhat Gentle Man" starts with Ulrik(Stellan Skarsgard), a man of little words, being released from prison after 12 years which he faces with no little reluctance. It is a little surprising considering he is quickly greeted by his old boss, Jensen(Bjorn Floberg), who sets him up with housing with Karen(Jorunn Kjellsby) where he is able to get a Polish channel on his old television.(This is also proof that there is simply no escaping 'Dancing with the Stars' but maybe he can tune in an Andrzej Wajda film.) And Ulrik is able to get a job quickly as an auto mechanic for Sven(Bjorn Sundquist) where Merete(Jannike Kruse) warns him to not even think of it. Well, maybe it has to do with Jensen telling him he has to repay his debts, starting with killing the witness who put him away. In general, I have a theory that films will not mention when a protagonist has committed a murder for fear of losing sympathy which "A Somewhat Gentle Man" disproves in its own offbeat, deadpan and often amusing way.(Admittedly, that woman getting rudely dropped in a dumpster was not funny in any way.) Much of that goes towards the movie's central theme of adjustment and accpetance for ex-cons. But some of the plotlines actually feel more like digressions. And even with a subtle change of tone, the movie is simply too long for its slight aspirations. That's even with the always welcome and charismatic presence of Stellan Skarsgard who is entirely credible as a middle-aged sex symbol.Walter M Super Reviewer
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