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
... View MoreI 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.
... View More" 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.
... View MoreI 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.
... View More