Ove has always been a closed man, but not alone. He had a job he liked, and he had a wonderful wife he adored. Our story begins after he no longer had either. Now, he is trapped in a well of grief so deep it consumes his will to live. His naturally cantankerous demeanor is in full force.
But there’s just one problem: try as he might to stop – living, that is, there’s always some damn thing, and it’s one after another. Oppressive bureaucrats, disorderly neighbors, a man who collapsed on a train track, a reporter. A cat. It just doesn’t stop!
The film has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 91%, well-deserved. Based on the eponymous novel by Fredrik Backman, it could could be called a comedy, it’s relentlessly funny. But also terribly sad. But funny. And heartwarming. How does such a memorable film only box $29m at the theaters?
For American viewers, it’s also quite an insight into Swedish culture and life. Watch it in Swedish, with subtitles; the original acting is flawless, right down to the smirk on the crooked elder care executive’s face. But don’t worry, he doesn’t get away clean.
- Wikipedia has the goods: A Man Called Ove (film)
- Unfortunately, Saab stopped making cars around the time this film was made, a casualty of the GM bankruptcy. A tragic end for such a proud company. Ove’s father was correct that no one ever made a better car.
- American homeowner’s associations have nothing on Swedish neighborhood councils.
georgewiman 