A Man Called Ove

I can credit a mini-vacation to visit a friend for the good fortune of catching this film at a Richmond, Virginia art house, as I'm almost one hundred percent certain it would never appear in the area where I live. Because he (my friend) and his wife had read the book on which the story was based, the natural question was how closely did the film follow the original story, and with minor exceptions, it captured the essence well enough to deter any disappointment. The picture almost immediately calls to mind Clint Eastwood's 2008 movie "Gran Torino" and the similarities are many. The principal character Ove (Rolf Lassgard) is a recently retired senior citizen who's wife has recently passed away, and his severe conservative code of ethics is displayed in the way he attempts to enforce the administrative codes of his neighborhood block association. Told in a non-linear fashion, the story takes us back to Ove's childhood and young adult life, with a tender and touching story of how he met his wife Sonja (Ida Engvoll), and how they both managed to persevere through an unfortunate accident that left her crippled but determined to live a normal life. What could have been a morose story is emphatically brought to life when a new set of neighbors arrives next door to Ove, and he finds his ideas of immigrants consistently challenged. One gets the sense that Ove at no time wants to be bothered with other people, but at the same time finds it impossible not to reach out and help someone in a time of trouble or crisis. Having decided that he wants to join his beloved wife on the other side, Ove is constantly thwarted in his attempt to take his own life. In that respect, the film calls to mind another picture, this one from 1971, called "Harold and Maude". The difference however, is that the character Harold fakes suicide repeatedly to get a rise out of his family, whereas Ove seeks a real outcome. Or does he? The viewer must draw one's own conclusion, particularly after Ove declares that "Killing oneself isn't all that easy." Because this is a Swedish film, the only one I've ever seen at this point, one rather major disconnect for me occurred when the Willie Nelson song "You Were Always on My Mind" popped up in the soundtrack. In a way, it did fit the occasion because it had to do with Ove's memory of his wife, but it just seemed odd and out of context. The other concession to American film making that I'm sensitive to because I've seen it so many times now, was a product placement for Coca Cola, which shouldn't amaze me so much in a global economy, but it was just too striking not to mention it. Filmed in Swedish with English sub-titles, this is a competent film that one ought to catch if it should come your way. Along with the heartbreak of Ove's personal story, there are many moments of warmth and humor, and you'll catch yourself chuckling in spots that are both touching and ironic. Not necessarily a feel good movie in the traditional sense, though the picture has a way of working it's magic in a profound way.

This was a lovely, conventional film. No, really it's a movie rather than a film. And while Swedish, it reads very conventional Hollywood. Movie comfort food, if you will. Very nice, and a total feel-good movie for all ages. It leaves one feeling all warm and fuzzy. And besides that, well, that's about it. What stays with me? A sad sense of longing for community, so very rare today, especially in the USA. Scoring the different elements of the film objectively, 1 to 4: Script/Story: 3.5 - nice, well constructed. Loved the fact that flashbacks ride on scenes of suicide attempts. This was a nice, ironic feature of the narrative. Cinematography/Visual Effects: 3 - conventional, competently shot. Not much more to say. Editing: 3 - See above (heavy sigh -- conventional, competently edited. Not much more to say.) Sound Effects: 2 - forgettable, nothing significant here. Musical Score: 2.5, at times stereotypical, ie Spanish-y music for scenes set in Spain, etc. Competent, but not significant, which is very appropriate for the narrative structure. Performances: 3.5, strong performances. Production Design: Sets, Locations, Costumes, etc.: 3.5, production design great, iconic for the area and period feel of the storyline. But an Oscar consideration in hair & make-up, really??? What am I missing here? Would I recommend this movie to a friend? Of course, total movie comfort food! Sweden's Terms of Endearment or Forrest Gump or . . .

Things have gone on for too long and it must end, those who break your rules you just cannot defend, so it's time to say goodbye, join your lady in the sky, but even that's starting to drive you round the bend. But then a woman and her family appear, Parvanah scythes and cuts, through all of your past tears, helps to bring some perspective, and the courage to forgive, so when the time arrives there's nothing to be feared. A truly wonderful tale of a cantankerous old man who manages to fondly reflect on the lost love of his life while being inspired by a new neighbour who breaks his outer shell and reveals a generous and kind, larger than life heart. Great performances all round but especially from Rolf Lassgård, who is and will be forever unequalled, unmatched and peerless in the role.

I've watched A man called Otto (2023 movie) and then the day after i've watched this one (the original) and I dare to say that this one is better! Why? Because in this movie all makes sense, including why the main character likes or dislikes certain things (wont go in depth as I dont want to spoil it for you) but I highly recommend this movie even if you've seen the remake from 2023. The characters and actors are like one and I've felt that I was watching real life footage and not so much a movie on my laptop. This is 10/10 movie - no questions asked! Bear in mind that i've watched the movie with EN subtitles and still loved it!