A Somewhat Gentle Man (2010) User Reviews

Great Character Comedy With a Terrific Lead Performance

[emvan · 8/10 · 25 December 2012]

This is first of all a genuinely interesting character study with an absolutely terrific performance by Stellan Skarsgard as a newly-released convict. It is also consistently funny, and often hilariously so (it may have the three funniest sex scenes in recent cinema history). The humor is understated and dark, but it is always an outgrowth of the characters.

If it has any flaws, it's that the third act features an unlikely coincidence and a moment of predictable overt sentimentality which seemed a bit out of place (but which was nevertheless tremendously effective). But by that point I thought the movie had earned the right to spring a coincidence on us and then go for the heartstrings.

There's a bit of Pulp Fiction in the dialogue, but if I had to name a single movie it most resembled, it would be In Bruges, but without the violence. This was barely released in the U.S., but I think it was one of the 50 best movies of 2011, and one of the 15 best foreign films. If you're a true movie buff, see it! My grades: 80 / A-.

Skarsgard makes an old story fresh

[MdlndeHond · 7/10 · 26 March 2011]

The story is about the oldest in the book of organised crime based drama: ex-con's past hinders him in starting over. That doesn't get in the way of this movie one bit. Skarsgard makes it work in this story of people who all took a beating from life somewhere, without it becoming sentimental anywhere.

an ex con released from prison finds his former buddies waiting for him to revive their mutual criminal careers. Skarsgard's Ulrich skillfully navigates through attempts to manipulate him and in the end does what he thinks is right. No big words, no big drama, just the subtle humor and Skarsgards solid Ulrich along with the strong performance of all cast makes this movie full of outcasts. A realistic yet entertaining watch.

Complications with women, kids, cars and a violent past

[OJT · 8/10 · 16 May 2010]

A Kaurismäki-style dark comedy about a man coming out of prison after a 12 year sentence. Stellan Skarsgårds character gets lots of complications, even though most are willing to give the convicted man a lot a chances to begin a new life, with warnings to not ever looking behind at the past.

That is of course impossible, starting over in his old environment of a run down Oslo suburb. Everyone gives him a chance, even the old acquainted mafia-boss, which wants him to kill again. Women of all kinds still finds him attractive, and his old debt to the local mafia-boss makes life more complicated than it should be. Is he ready to kill again?

Hans Petter Moland got lots of praise at Berlin Filmfestival with this worn down comedy. Especially the "sex for food"-scenes with his landlady, being the jealous sister of the mafia-boss, was making a buzz.

The film functions as a nice story, and is good entertainment, but seems to lack a little in the manuscript to make it a classic. The casting is perfect, though, and this film could really have been an instant classic. Still there's scenes that is quite memorable, and there's hope even in a quite hopeless situation. Moland still gives his audience films we remember!

Ironic, comic, touching, deft...superb and entertaining and very Scandanavian

[secondtake · 10 September 2011]

A Somewhat Gentle Man (2010)

Norwegians, even more than Swedes or Danes (at least in their films) seem to be glum, dour sorts. And our leading man, a big Norseman (played by Swedish great Stellan Skarsgard) just out of jail after serving 12 years for murder, is unhappy. But now, getting a job as a mechanic and living in the basement of the mechanic's wife, he is surrounded by such an odd assortment of regular people, his colorfully mundane struggle to survive and get a little along the way is hilarious and moving.

It wouldn't be helpful to say exactly what happens--that he crosses up two women, that he tries to reunite with his son who's expecting a baby, that he has to "settle accounts" with some thugs who won't leave him alone. It's how these things happen, and who plays the characters, that makes this film really great fun. And expert fun. This is a tale well told, comic, patient, clever. The plot gets interwoven and impossible in a Shakespearean way (brought to a high pitch of plausible improbability by the delivery scene, you'll see), and so everything is tightly controlled. Even the music is a parody of itself, somehow, a light and spasmodic jazz funk score that helps make clear all of this is a little bit in fun, even when it gets awful in a couple parts.

The characters here are unpretty types, either homely or ravaged or just so maladjusted we see only their peculiarities. And that's a lot of the charm. There's no artificial glitz, no idealizing characters, no beauty on the side drawing the main character from the reality around him. You grow to identify with the people for who they are, and even though there is a comic airiness throughout, these people become very real, too. It's a delightful result, and I don't use the word delightful much any more. Don't miss it.

With slow start, but eventually a decent comedy with tragic background

[BeneCumb · 7/10 · 22 March 2013]

I consider myself a fan of Scandinavian crime thrillers, but those were shot primarily in Sweden or Denmark; I have not seen too many Norwegian films (however, the one before this, Hodejegerne, I enjoyed a lot), and I was prepared for slow pace and long frames without text, but still - I found the first half an hour or so too protracted. Thereafter, I probably got used to it and enjoyed this odd and hectic running of events, giftedly performed by catchy character actors - Stellan Skarsgård as Ulrik, above all (he should have been got more awards for this role), as well as all actresses regardless their duration on screen. I had no fits of laughter, but I giggled a lot and shared the feelings of peculiar sorts of people with different age and background. The scenes preceding the very ending could have been with more twists, but nevertheless, this film is recommended to admirers of films where all characters have issues.

Norwegian Mood

[Rindiana · 6/10 · 20 February 2010]

Stellan Skarsgard has seldom been better than in this rather ho-hum tragicomedy which strives for laconic existentialism Kaurismäki-style, but settles for just slightly above average amusement in the end.

The first half provides some solid chuckles, but all the likable character portraits on display lack subtlety. Later on, the narrative grows repetitive and some scenes feel forced.

But the pic's worth a look and it is still preferable to those hyperactive gangster movies that guys like Guy Ritchie are churning out.

6 out of 10 love-hungry landladies

Skarsgard makes a story of an ex-con starting a new life, one we don't see in other movies

[JohnRayPeterson · 7/10 · 21 November 2011]

Stellan Skarsgård is an accomplished Swedish actor with international experience; he owns his role as Ulrik. The full IMDb storyline captures quite well the setting from which the plot evolves. The title is an excellent choice because that is what he is. At peace with his past but not repentant, because who he killed had it coming. He puts up with unsympathetic friends and family members, except his son who has to break ties with him at the prompting, insistence of his future stepdaughter and her family. Still he takes it in stride. He had respect in prison and now he doesn't but he prefers freedom anyway. He endures humiliating circumstances for a while, but we do see that he is not a pushover when he comes to the defense of a co-worker being abused by her estranged lousy half. The only moment when you understand that for the right reasons he could be violent again, without breaking a sweat; he is committed to do better and what he can to stay on the right path.

This movie is about character development, one well worth watching. The movie is slow enough for an English or French speaking audience to follow the subtitles with little problem. It will not be interesting for the audience seeking action or comedy or profound drama. I liked it and recommend it if you have simply seen Stellan Skarsgård in other roles where he spoke either English or French. It is his first role as being somewhat of a gentle man.

a different kind of movie

[melquiadesestrada · 9/10 · 23 March 2011]

This is definitely a different kind of movie. At first I couldn't quite swallow it. Like one of those wired Frennch delicacies that taste so unexpectedly you can't decide whether to chew on or drop them out of your mouth. Yet, if you resist a bit further for your mouth and brain to accommodate, you find that the experience was one so rich and subtle it lingers on your senses for days.

There's not the least bit of glamor or pretence in this movie. The plot seem to develop rather too slowly, the dialogues do not have the sparkle which tingles the intellect and makes you feel smarter, the people are not handsome but slightly old, worn out, ordinary people and the sex scenes are stripped of magic, eroticism and, well, desire. Nevertheless, behind it all there's this gentleness, humour and a kind of sadness almost heartbreaking. Each character has a history of abandonment, abuse, absence of love behind them, which sort of handicaps the way they connect to other people, makes their words and gestures rather abrupt, apparently lacking emotion. And there's this "gentle man", a former cold blooded murderer, who can see their despondency and incidentally tries to give them a bit of what they need. In doing so, he attempts to shut a door on his bleak past. And it's not because he wants to be a new better man, but because he can no longer be the man that he was. He simply needs to be the father and the lover he was refused for many years, he needs to have an ordinary life. "Spring is coming", his reply at the end of the movie, and the small contemplative smile it's a welcome addressed to a life of better choices and the relief after just killing the last "shadow" of his past. Now I can tell no more without spoiling the movie, but I highly recommend it. Also, I recommend that you be patient. Even if you can't enjoy it from the very first, see it through. It will worth your while. I give this movie a 9 out of 10.

A pretty good movie

[peefyn · 7/10 · 10 October 2016]

This is a funny, enjoyable movie without much of a moral compass. It's a typical Danish black comedy, other than the fact that it's made in Norway by Norwegians and with a Swede as the title character. But the screenwriter is Danish, and it shows.

The plot is simple. The "nice guy" is let out of prison, and meets with old acquaintances. He is asked to kill the guy who got him in jail in the first place, and also given a place to live and a place to work. In a way, the movie is about seizing the opportunities that arises, but also show how that can lead you down directions you didn't want to go.

And the moral of the story, well, it's not really there. It's dark, it's funny, and it does not feel it have to satisfy your conscience.

Quirky

[sergepesic · 8/10 · 30 January 2012]

" A Somewhat Gentle Man", is quite a surprise. When I scanned the description of the movie, I expected a crime flick. My mistake for not paying proper attention to detail. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this quirky comedy very much. My experience with the Norwegian comedy is hopelessly limited, but if this movie is typical of it, I wouldn't mind seeing more.The humor swerves between deadpan and grotesque with an amazing ease.The characters are people that life didn't pat on the back. They are beaten, bitter or just plain depressed. The jokes are smart and original, and the actors are not clowning, but playing very serious. That's the reason, probably, that I found this strange little flick so fresh and funny.

Quirky

[asc85 · 6/10 · 30 May 2011]

The film was basically well-reviewed, and I wanted to see Skarsgard in a lead role speaking his original language (then I found out he's Swedish, so speaking Norwegian is probably not his most comfortable language to speak either!).

I found it hard to get into at first...I wasn't sure this was supposed to be intentionally humorous at first, but then it became pretty obvious that this was the case.

It's definitely a very quirky film, and my wife and I were surprised how often this guy could get laid! But my 6 rating shows that although I thought it was decent, it's nothing to go out of your way for.

P.S. - Am I the only guy who thought that Skarsgard looked like William Hurt in this film?

Black Humor at it's best

[rome1-595-390251 · 9/10 · 3 August 2014]

Norwegian comedy about a convict readapting to life outside of prison. This is well crafted comedy. It has an understated and very dry black humor.

Reminds me of Fargo but this one is actually funny. From the boss who talks nonstop to the landlady who gets "paid" for her meals.

It is intelligently directed and will not irritate you with clichés or boring sequences. To boot you get to immerse yourself in a industrial seamy part of Oslo.

This is black humor at its best.

RECOMMEND

There are certain things I wish I could unsee!

[stanimiradeleva · 7/10 · 10 May 2020]

I am still conflicted whether this was a really bad or a really good movie. The unique thing about this movie - the ugliest, most awkward, most pathetic, and painful to watch sex scene in the history of cinema! I wonder what thinking process led to the decision to create such movie. Actors on the other hand are brilliant - 100% believable and authentic representation of lowest class desperate losers, generally failing at life. There are actors, who just look good and play themselves in every movie - and then there is Stellan Skarsgard, who can play all kinds of characters with frightening accuracy. In this case he gives a brilliant performance of a slow and insecure ex-con, who just want to be left alone with his dinner.

Good Character Development

[swamprat_21 · 1 August 2011]

I watched this film while flying KLM (on of the benefits of flying a European airline). From the first scene at the gate where the prison security officer (never call 'em guards) wishes the "hero" good luck, you know that his life outside prison will be difficult. The film lacks and special effects, shoot 'em ups, guys outrunning explosions, and other over-the-top Hollywood style film work. Instead, it was a steady pace, like reading a good novel. You will find yourself in sympathy with the main character, feeling his frustration as his resists violence and submits to the women who desire him (he seems to take no pleasure in most of his encounters, but performs as required. I enjoyed this film and will add it to my collection when I get a chance, I can recommend this film to movie fans and I think you will enjoy it.

Stellan's the man

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 24 August 2018]

Ulrik (Stellan Skarsgård) is released from prison after serving 12 years for murder. His crime gang boss wants to get paid. They find him a basement apartment rental from Karen Margrethe who expects sex with the rent. He reconnects with his wife and his grown son who is starting his own family. He works as an auto mechanic where Merete the secretary is being abused by her husband. He gets back into gun running with his gang but the world has changed.

The old people sex is funny. This is a fine light black comedy. I would like to stay with the midget gun runner story. The plot meanders around for some reason. It may have one too many plot points. It could probably drop the abused secretary plot and concentrate more on his family. Overall, it has a few fun moments and Stellan nails this reserved criminal role.

Too slight to make a real impression or stick with you

[fredrikgunerius · 6/10 · 2 January 2024]

Take a fairly clever screenplay belonging to the renowned recent Danish crime tradition, combine it with arch-Norwegian forlorn and outdated film characters (who luckily cannot be claimed to be representative for the Norwegian people), and add a touch of Kaurismäkish, sardonic outlook on life, and you have the basic setup for Hans Petter Moland's latest film, En ganske snill mann. The good news is that despite the fact that these characters and situations are suspiciously familiar in their oddity, the three above-mentioned factors ensures a fine amount of good, untainted laughs. Some hilarious sex scenes between the title character and his landlady stand out in particular. The bad news is that, as with most films from the "cold-and-isolated" tradition, the film maintains a distance to its characters which prevents us from complete affinity with them.

One who tries his best to get close to us is Stellan Skarsgård, who gives a stripping, soulful performance in this, his third collaboration with Moland (after Kjærlighetens kjøtere and Aberdeen). As it turns out, however, his is really the only multi-dimensional character, and the plot begins treading a bit too familiar waters a bit too soon, making the film appear a little worn-down (albeit not as worn-down as Oslo is presented). While it is more than funny enough, my main objection to En ganske snill mann is that it doesn't feel like it's in touch with reality - it's a story from a filmatic universe rather than the real world. And that's a pity, because there are a couple of potentially very strong scenes towards the end, notably those involving Skarsgård with Henrik Mestad and Julia Bache-Wiig respectively. Narratively and technically, Moland's direction is tight and tidy, enabling En ganske snill mann to entertain for the course of its running time. Unfortunately, it's too slight to make a real impression or stick with you.

*Review written in 2011.

Junking the car

[jotix100 · 8/10 · 1 February 2011]

Ulrik, a sort of taciturn middle aged man, is seen getting out of prison as the story begins. Having served time, he is facing an uncertain world. The former con wants to get away from his past life, but alas, his former boss, Rune, has a different idea, he wants Ulrik to take care of the man that was responsible for sending him to jail.

A newly released prisoner is not exactly what employers look forward to hire, but with a bit of influence from Rune, he is engaged as a auto mechanic in the shop run by a man that wants Ulrik to concentrate in fixing the problems brought to him, and do not get involved with Merete, the lady that takes care of the books in the office of the garage.

Rune is even able to get Ulrik a basement room with his sister, Karen Margarethe, a lady of uncertain age, who takes pity on the man. Karen starts by bringing Ulrik a second hand television set, as well as meals she prepares. The lodger finds a way to make the set to work, being able to catch a Polish broadcast of a program similar to 'Dancing With the Stars', something that hooks the landlady into coming to visit Ulrik with the meals she cooks for him. It does not take long before Karen Margarethe and Ulrik are copulating in his room.

When Ulrik's boss gets sick, he must be taken to a hospital. Merete also begin getting closer to Ulrik, who likes her as well. The ex-con is interested in renewing the relationship with his son, something that he misses. When Rune pressures Ulrik to get rid of the stool pigeon that fingered him, but Rune has a surprise for his former boss.

We were pleasantly surprised by this film when we saw it IFC recently. It takes the viewer a while to get into the picture, but Hans Peter Moland, its director, kept us involved in this tale about a man that wants to reintegrate into society, but his past life keeps getting in his way. The screenplay is Kim Fupz Aakeson. It is a dark film that works well because once one gets into the story, it is a joy ride until the ironic twist at the end.

Stellan Skarsgard, the Swedish actor, has never been better. His Ulrik is an amazing creation that deserves to be seen by serious movie fans. The supporting cast is wonderful. Bjorn Floberg, the amazing Jorunn Kjellsby as Karen Margarethe, and Jannike Krusse do a fantastic job for Mr. Moland.

A somewhat crime movie

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 21 August 2010]

It's amazing that even on a renowned Festival as the one in Berlin, there can be shown movies like this. It's not really something you (or in that case I) would expect to see there. Yes it has Stellan S., but the story as it is, is very bleak and humorous to say the least. A story that you would expect to pop up at other Festivals then. Especially with the crude humour, it's way of not pulling punches (but indeed delivering them) and characters that are way out there.

A few gross scenes, that are not necessarily violent, because sometimes even "romance" can be "brutal" to watch, as the viewers were moaning in a bad way at some scenes ... which you'll understand, once you watch the movie. Still very engaging and very well played. I liked it a lot.

Quirky, mellow, good entertainment

[Finfrosk86 · 8/10 · 14 June 2015]

I think this movie was made to be entertaining, not to shed a light on some boring ass subject, like a lot of Norwegian movies. It's part of the new wave of Norwegian movies, that dare to be entertaining, first and foremost. Instead of being serious or artsy, or like a play. It is sort of, very typical Norwegian, at the same time it's not.

En Ganske Snill Mann is a mellow, quirky, quite entertaining little thing. It has a lot of silence, which is rather pleasant. Also has some embarrassing, awkward parts.

It has some interesting and strange characters, like Bjørn Flobergs character and his gang, they are weird and fun to watch. Stellan Skarsgård himself is also great, of course. I always like seeing Nordic actors with many English-speaking roles under their belt, speaking their native language. Swedish is also such a fun language.

There's some action in here, rather light, but some. There is one violent scene in particular that is really cool. The build up is great, very nicely done.

Very slow and minimalistic...yet also quite wonderful.

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 11 September 2017]

"A Somewhat Gentle Man" is a story that took me by surprise. While it is very slow-paced and deliberate, I thought this meant the film would be pretty dull. On the contrary...it turned out to be a really neat character study and is well worth seeing.

Ulrik (Stellan Skarsgård) has served 12 years in prison for murder. And, the prison folks seem to think he hasn't yet learned his lesson. The viewer isn't sure as well...mostly because Ulrik is a very quiet and subdued man...and what's boiling inside is uncertain. Through the course of the movie you come to actually like the guy and appreciate the many choices he has to make...especially whether to kill the stoolie who sent him to prison!

I enjoyed seeing the evolution of the character. And, I appreciate that he did grow and change...but still was true to his original character. How all this transpires, you'll have to see for yourself in this quiet but captivating movie.

By the way, this film is a bit adult...with some nudity, sexual situations and a bit of violence.

finally the right man gets shot - that alone deserves ten stars

[karlericsson · 10/10 · 12 March 2011]

Having seen many brutal films in my 50+ years of movie-watching (around twenty thousand films or more), I finally get to see the film in which the truly bad man, the business-man, get shot. It was a very long wait indeed. The devil lies and deceives - so it is said in the fairy-tale by the Grim Brothers (When Death was the Godfather or Der Gevatter Tod). We are witnessing a time in which more and more people understand who "the devil" really is: the entity that causes man to raise havoc by deception and intimidation. Intentionally or unintentionally (let's give the story-teller "poetic license") this film delivers clarity on whom we should truly be apprehensive about. The fool with the gun is to be blamed but truly dangerous is the intimidating deceiver in the background, going about his everyday usual "business" in which everyone is a mean to his goals and no more than that. Intentionally or unintentionally - this is still a masterpiece.