SANTA MONICA, CA, February 15, 2010 - "A Somewhat Gentle Man" ("En ganske snill mann"), the latest film from TWC Films director Hans Petter Moland (The Beautiful Country, Aberdeen, Gymnaslærer Pedersen), had its World Premiere today in the Berlin International Film Festival main competition (Berlinale).
Starring Stellan Skarsgård, Jannike Kruse Jåtog, and Jan Gunnar Røise, "A Somewhat Gentle Man" tells the story of Ulrik, who - after twelve years behind bars for murder - emerges from prison and finds himself in an emotional maelstrom of revenge, love, and longing.
Moland embarked on his feature film career in tandem with his commercial directing career, having earned a host of various commercial honors in numerous festivals and contests including Cannes, Eurobest, Clio, Epica, I.B.F. and Mobius, along the way. This latest feature film effort underscores the filmmaker's unique aptitude for provocative storytelling. Peter Cowie, international film historian, has called Moland "the Ridley Scott of Norway," which succinctly illustrates that he is an accomplished, talented master of both visual and narrative architecture.
About "A Somewhat Gentle Man"
Ulrik has spent twelve years. 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. His ex is not exactly overjoyed to see Ulrik and insists that he leave their son well alone. 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. He has an apartment, a pot plant, a son, and will soon have a grandchild; he also has a woman who likes him. But then he learns that he's not allowed to see his grandchild because he's a murderer, his girlfriend suddenly won't have anything to do with him, and his gangster friend urges him to take his revenge on Kenny. Ulrik discovers that Kenny had nothing to do with his arrest. So why on earth should he kill Kenny? Wouldn't the world be a better place without his gangster friend?
About The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)
Berlin - a cosmopolitan, exciting capital, a city of culture with international appeal. In the middle of it all: the Berlinale - not only the city's largest cultural event, but also one of the most important dates on the international film industry's calendar. More than 19,000 film professionals from 136 countries, including 4,000 journalists, are accredited for the Berlin International Film Festival this year. The Berlinale is truly a mega event. At the same time, it is a festival of encounters and discussions. With more than 270,000 tickets sold, the Berlinale is not only a film industry meeting. It also enjoys by far the largest audience of any film festival in the world. For two weeks, art, glamour, parties and business meet at the Berlinale.

Comments (3)
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Posted on March 4, 2010 22:09
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Posted on April 18, 2010 20:04
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Posted on May 3, 2010 04:22