Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times: Patiently directed by Hans Petter Moland, Ulrik's journey back to life slowly draws you in. Read more
Noel Murray, AV Club: The gray Norwegian milieu is memorable, and Skarsgard brings some redemptive soul to the role of a man who gradually begins to understand the aptness of his favorite Pretenders album: Learning To Crawl. Read more
Ty Burr, Boston Globe: "A Somewhat Gentle Man'' is welcome, in part because Skarsgard is almost the whole show but also because the actor doesn't use the role as an excuse to put on a big performance - to do more. On the contrary, he quite wonderfully does less. Read more
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly: Every stunted, turnip-faced character is dressed for maximum drabness, and the only time the sky isn't drily gray is when it's wet with rain or snow. But Skarsgard's utter finesse in the role provides a satisfying warmth. Read more
Ray Bennett, Hollywood Reporter: An oddball comedy with criminal undertones. Read more
Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times: Like the Coen brothers at their least convincing, the mix of low-grade depression and amped quirkiness never shakes off the feel of self-conscious posturing. Read more
V.A. Musetto, New York Post: A slim story that becomes schmaltzy at the end. Read more
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer: Only an actor of Skarsgard's resources could do so little and make such a big impression. Read more
Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com: One of the funniest movies I've seen in years. If you suspect that says more about me than about the film, you might be right. Read more
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune: A sly delight. Read more
Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Skarsgard, who is perhaps best known for "Good Will Hunting" and "Breaking the Waves," makes the most of his rich role, imbuing Ulrik with a knockabout charm. Read more
Nick Pinkerton, Village Voice: The grungy setting and unflattering photography are only camouflage for callow, creeping sentimentality. Read more