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Poster for A Man There Was

A Man There Was

Seen it?

1917 | 56 min | Drama, History

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With almost no lasting buzz and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Aimed squarely at fans of prison dramas and history buffs. The walls close in, and so does the tension. Same wavelength as Cool Hand Luke or The Shawshank Redemption.
The mood
Emotional (bring tissues).
The pace
Character-first and patient, at 56 min. Short enough for a weeknight.
What might put you off
  • It's in Swedish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1917: an older pace and style.
  • Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.

Terje Vigen, a sailor, suffers the loss of his family through the inflexibility of another man. Years later, when his enemy's family finds itself dependent on his benevolence, Terje must decide whether to avenge himself.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    Generally positive reviews

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 3K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Victor Sjöström

  • Victor SjöströmTerje Vigen
  • Bergliot HusbergTerje Vigens hustru
  • August FalckDen engelske lorden
  • Edith ErastoffDen engelska ladyn
  • Eric AbrahamssonEn fiskare (uncredited)
  • Hildur CarlbergEn kvinna i byn (uncredited)
  • Gucken CederborgDen nya hustrun i Terjes stuga (uncredited)
  • John EkmanNorsk fånge i fängelset (uncredited)
  • Nils ElfforsEn av Terjes kamrater (uncredited)
  • Emil FjellströmEn fiskare på stranden (uncredited)