A Somewhat Gentle Man (2011)
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Movie Info
Cast
as Ulrik
as Rune Jensen
as Rolf
as Karen Margrethe
as Geir
as Merete
as Sven
as Kristian
as Wenche
as Silje
as Samen
as Kenny
as Kenny's Wife
as Junkyard Boss
as Prison Warden
as Bartender
as Lady in Bar
as Fancy Lady
as Warehouse Foreman
as Short Man
as Coughing Man
as Kenny's Son
as Kenny's Stand In
as Kenny's Son's Stand In
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Critic Reviews for A Somewhat Gentle Man
All Critics (27) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (23) | Rotten (4) | DVD (1)
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.
A sly delight.
"A Somewhat Gentle Man'' is welcome, in part because Skarsgård 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.
Only an actor of Skarsgard's resources could do so little and make such a big impression.
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.
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.
Audience Reviews for A Somewhat Gentle Man
A 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 A Somewhat Gentle Man entertaining and easy-to-watch. Its pace is slow, but its characters are ultimately interesting. Overall, I liked A Somewhat Gentle Man a little more than somewhat.
Super Reviewer
Cast: Stellan Skarsgård, Bjørn Floberg, Gard B. Eidsvold, Jorunn Kjellsby, Bjørn Sundquist, Jon Øigarden, Kjersti Holmen, Jan Gunnar Røise, Julia Bache-Wiig, Aksel Hennie Director: Hans Petter Moland Summary: With revenge on his mind, a gangster (Stellan Skarsgård) who spent 12 years in prison for murder sets out to kill the man (Henrik Mestad) who put him there. But the promise of a normal life -- and news that he's on the brink of becoming a grandfather -- proves a tempting distraction. Suddenly, seeking vengeance doesn't seem nearly as important. My Thoughts: "I saw way more of Stellan Skarsgard then I planned or wanted to. But besides that little fact, no fun intended, I rather enjoyed the film. I enjoyed the story and I liked Stellan's character Ulrik. He is conflicted with having a new life and getting revenge on the person who ratted him out which landed him in prison for 12 yrs. The film has a subtle hilarity about it. Just the awkward hug, wink, or nod had me smiling or laughing. Really silly actually, but it made me laugh. The whole film is full of awkward moments. Skarsgard does fantastic in his role. There's not a lot of commentary but it works for this film. A good watch if you get the chance to see it."
Super Reviewer
Norwegian 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...
Super Reviewer
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