Um Homem Um Tanto Gentil

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.

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.

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-.

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.

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.