John Raymond Peterson Stellan Skarsgård is an accomplished Swedish actor with international experience; he owns his role as Ulrik. The full IMDb storyline captures quite well the setting from which the plot evolves. The title is an excellent choice because that is what he is. At peace with his past but not repentant, because who he killed had it coming. He puts up with unsympathetic friends and family members, except his son who has to break ties with him at the prompting, insistence of his future stepdaughter and her family. Still he takes it in stride. He had respect in prison and now he doesn't but he prefers freedom anyway. He endures humiliating circumstances for a while, but we do see that he is not a pushover when he comes to the defense of a co-worker being abused by her estranged lousy half. The only moment when you understand that for the right reasons he could be violent again, without breaking a sweat; he is committed to do better and what he can to stay on the right path.This movie is about character development, one well worth watching. The movie is slow enough for an English or French speaking audience to follow the subtitles with little problem. It will not be interesting for the audience seeking action or comedy or profound drama. I liked it and recommend it if you have simply seen Stellan Skarsgård in other roles where he spoke either English or French. It is his first role as being somewhat of a gentle man.

Seemp deHond 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.

jotix100 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.

Rindiana Stellan Skarsgard has seldom been better than in this rather ho-hum tragicomedy which strives for laconic existentialism Kaurismäki-style, but settles for just slightly above average amusement in the end.The first half provides some solid chuckles, but all the likable character portraits on display lack subtlety. Later on, the narrative grows repetitive and some scenes feel forced.But the pic's worth a look and it is still preferable to those hyperactive gangster movies that guys like Guy Ritchie are churning out.6 out of 10 love-hungry landladies