A Somewhat Gentle Man
Strand Releasing | Release Date: January 14, 2011 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
68
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews
Positive:
10
Mixed:
4
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
SalonAndrew O'HehirJan 14, 2011
A pitch-perfect blend of darkness and sweetness, built around a masterful performance by a great actor. Read full review
83
IndieWireEric KohnJan 17, 2011
Cold-blooded killers rarely look this pathetic, which testifies to the impressive balance of Skarsgård's amusingly low-key performance. Read full review
75
St. Louis Post-DispatchCalvin WilsonMar 18, 2011
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. Read full review
75
Boston GlobeTy BurrFeb 24, 2011
For a passive-depressive Norwegian crime drama with not a lot in the way of plot, A Somewhat Gentle Man has a charmingly fluky sense of humor. Read full review
75
Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumJan 20, 2011
Skarsgard's utter finesse in the role provides a satisfying warmth. Read full review
70
MovielineElvis MitchellJan 17, 2011
It's a low-blood-pressure version of the kind of thing James M. Cain used to do in his sleep, and its filmmaking accomplishment is as minimalist as its narrative ambition is minimal. Read full review
70
The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisJan 13, 2011
Patiently directed by Hans Petter Moland, Ulrik's journey back to life slowly draws you in. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterRay BennettJan 11, 2011
Played for laughs drawn from characters rather than funny lines, the Norwegian film is a charmer with Stellan Skarsgard for once in a role worthy of his attention. Read full review
67
The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayJan 13, 2011
Skarsgård brings some redemptive soul to the role of a man who gradually begins to understand the aptness of his favorite Pretenders album: "Learning To Crawl." Read full review
63
Philadelphia InquirerCarrie RickeyFeb 3, 2011
In A Somewhat Gentle Man, a deadpan comedy best described as the Coen Brothers Norwegian style, Stellan Skarsgard is colorless and oddly configured, like a potato fallen from the sack. Read full review
60
Los Angeles TimesSheri LindenJan 27, 2011
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. Read full review
60
New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanJan 14, 2011
Hans Petter Moland's dry Scandinavian wit is just amusing enough to keep us interested in this dramedy. Read full review
50
New York PostV.A. MusettoJan 14, 2011
A slim story that becomes schmaltzy at the end. Read full review
50
Village VoiceNick PinkertonJan 11, 2011
The grungy setting and unflattering photography are only camouflage for callow, creeping sentimentality. Read full review
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