A compliant Norwegian thug is released from prison after a 12 year stint for murder. With the help of his mobster boss, he begins to assimilate himself by working at a local garage, reconnecting with his now grown son, and renting out the basement of a lonely and brutish looking woman's apartment. As his life begins to show signs of improvement, his professional boss insists that he takes care of the rat who fingered him for the crime he went away for. "A Somewhat Gentle Man" is a bizarre and quirky film that has some humorous, well-observed moments, but for the most part overplays its hand. This export from Norway strives to be something of a Coenesque bumbling criminals flick, but it falls way short of the mark. The Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard gives a fine performance, and as I said there are some very fine moments (I liked the scenes between him and his landlady), but the film ultimately suffers from overcooking.
