A Man Called Ove is based on a worldwide bestseller by Fredrik Backman about a curmudgeon who feels his life is empty after the death of his wife. There’s a running joke in the book and film about Ove and his lack of success in this matter (no spoiler). Ove is played by Rolf Lassgård who played Wallander in the Swedish version of Hemming kelton’s mystery series. Ida Engvoll plays Ove’s wonderful wife, Sonja. In a series of flashbacks, we discover Ove has been dogged by tragedy. Yet, when a new family moves in next door, things begin to change. The arrival of new neighbors Parvaneh (Bahar Pars), her husband Patrik (Tobias Almborg), and their two daughters alters Ove’s plans and the gloom begins to lift. It takes a crafty movie and book to both make you laugh and make you cry. A Man Called Ove manages to achieve both. GRADE: A-
I liked both. The casting made the movie, didn’t it? Perfect choice for Ove.
Patti, you’re right about the cast in A MAN CALLED OVE. Terrific actors!
Henning Mankell.
Jeff, A MAN CALLED OVE shows a lot of love to Grumpy Old Men.
As I was about to say.
I’m tempted by the book, but I’m afraid it would be too sad.
Rick, although there’s sadness in A MAN CALLED OVE, there’s also a lot of humor and joy. Well worth the experience!
Don’t be afraid of sad if the writing and characters are worth it. In this case, they are. And there’s enough joy in it to make up for the sad.
I’ve seen good reviews of this, but it will have to be netflix for me
Maggie, when you see A MAN CALLED OVE you’ll love it!
No boobs, no kung fu, and nothing gets blowed up! Pass!