A Somewhat Gentle Man

En ganske snill mann / A Somewhat Gentle Man, NO 2009 colour 109 min.
dir:  Hans Petter Moland
pro: Finn Gjerdrum, Stein B Kvae, Paradox Produksjon
sc: Kim Fupz Aakeson
ph: Phillip Øgaard
mus: Halfdan Nielsen
ed: Jens Christian Fodstad
cast: Stellan Skarsgård, Jannike Kruse Jåtog, Jan Gunnar Røise, Jorunn Kjellsby, Bjørn Floberg, Aksel Hennie
dis: TrustNordisk

 

Ulrik has spent twelve years behind bars for murder. After his release he rents a small basement room. Ulrik doesn’t say much, but everyone he knows thinks he deserves a second chance. His gangster friend welcomes him with a pot plant. They talk about the good old times and about some unfinished business that Ulrik has with Kenny, who was to blame for Ulrik’s spell in prison. Kenny will pay for this with his life. As soon as Ulrik’s mate finds out where Kenny works, Ulrik borrows a car and begins to spy on Kenny. He follows him home. Kenny no longer lives alone. He has a wife. From the backyard Ulrik observes a happy couple. The sight really pulls at Ulrik’s heart strings. He calls up his ex-wife to find out how their son is getting on. Ulrik’s been away for most of the boy’s childhood. The boy is now an adult and is doing just fine. Ulrik promises not to call him but then breaks his promise, visits his son and discovers that he’s about to become a grandfather. Ulrik is a changed man. But then everything changes…

 

Film was nominated for the Golden Bear Award at Berlinare 2010.