Review of A Somewhat Gentle Man (2010) by Silke B — 10 May 2011

Ulrik comes out of prison after twelve years. And two guys from his old gang are taking good care of him. They got him a job, a place to sleep and a pretty nice plan to have his revenge on the guy who testified against him. Ulrik seems to be a bit resigned. He does not talk much and does what people tell him. He seems to be desillusioned. He fucks the women who offer themselves to him, and they do it in a very blunt way, he fixes the cars his boss advices him to and he agrees to all and everything his old gangleader tells him.

Ulrik has left the prison behind him, but he is still imprisoned and not free at all. He still has barred windows in the room he now lives in, his landlady brings him food like a jailer would do, and he seems not to have the power to make his own decisions...that changes as soon as he finds something that is important enough to fight for.

This movie lives from situational humour and if you are looking for some slapstick or knee-slapper, you are definitely wrong with choosing this movie. The subtle undertones make it funny and although the pace of the story is slow, it is never boring.

- He's her father.

- No, he tried to kiss her.

- But it's Poland.