Pub.lished Movie Reviews
A Man Called Ove (2015)
Emerging from the pages of Fredrik Backman's internationally best-selling novel, Ove stands as the quintessential grumpy old man next door, characterized by his strict principles and short temper.
Ove, a curmudgeonly retired man leading an isolated life, spends his days enforcing block association rules and visiting his wife's grave. He appears to have given up on life, until an unlikely friendship with his lively new neighbors begins to develop.
Still mourning the loss of his wife, Ove has mostly withdrawn from life. However, a vibrant young family moves in next door and pushes him out of his comfort zone. This heartwarming tale serves as a reminder that life is more enjoyable when it is shared with others.
The remake by Tom Hanks, titled A Man Called Otto, is also fantastic, though it does not quite reach the same level of excellence.
- You are under the age of 13. The movie contains some adult themes and language which may not be suitable for children.
- You are sensitive to themes of grief and death. The movie deals heavily with these topics.
- You have difficulty reading subtitles. The movie is in Swedish, so unless you are fluent, you will need to read English subtitles.
- You prefer action-packed, high-drama stories. The narrative of A Man Called Ove is slow-paced and focuses on character development.
- You are not a fan of dark comedy. Despite its heavier themes, the film uses humor to tell its story, which may not be everyone's taste.
Up (2009)
This might seem a bit out of left field, but Pixar's "Up" echo's "A Man Called Ove" in surprising ways. It features a grumpy old man, Carl, who withdraws from society after the loss of his wife. The film is an endearing exploration of grief, friendship, and adventure that, despite being an animated feature, adults can deeply resonate with.
Gran Torino (2008)Directed by Clint Eastwood, "Gran Torino" offers a poignant look into the life of a grumpy, prejudiced war veteran living in a neighborhood that has changed over time due to gang activity and racial dynamics. Much like "A Man Called Ove," this film also deals with themes of prejudice, redemption and unlikely friendships. Plus, Eastwood's performance is, as always, top-notch.
A Man Called Otto (2022)Lovers of "A Man Called Ove" will appreciate "A Man Called Otto" as it continues the theme of a grumpy yet endearing old man, now portrayed by Tom Hanks, offering a fresh take on a beloved character, despite not fully capturing the original's brilliance.
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared (2013):If you enjoyed "A Man Called Ove," you might find great pleasure in this Swedish comedy-adventure film, which contains similar elements of humor and sarcasm. Based on a popular novel by Jonas Jonasson, the storyline follows a centenarian who shuns his retirement home for an impulsive adventure, sparking an unusual series of events.
St. Vincent (2014):"St. Vincent" brings Bill Murray into a similar role to Ove's – a grumpy, disillusioned old man. In this film, Murray's character develops a unique friendship with a young boy. The sharp, witty humor combined with enough sentiment to pull at your heartstrings makes it a film much in keeping with the tone of "A Man Called Ove".
Silver Linings Playbook (2012):While deviating from the elderly lead character archetype, this film echoes "A Man Called Ove" in terms of developing characters with personal quirks and inner turmoil. A beautifully narrated story of an unlikely friendship that blooms into unexpected love, Silver Linings Playbook is a mix of humor and frustration, relationships and personal evolution, much like our beloved Ove's journey.
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