Music Box Films | Release Date: September 30, 2016
7.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 96 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
73
Mixed:
17
Negative:
6
Watch Now
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)
10
ScarlettMiNov 24, 2016
I've got no expectations that anyone else needs to give this movie a 10/10 rating. It's a bit schmaltzy and predictable in the way it tugs at the viewers heartstrings, but it worked on me.

I knew nothing about what this movie would be when I
I've got no expectations that anyone else needs to give this movie a 10/10 rating. It's a bit schmaltzy and predictable in the way it tugs at the viewers heartstrings, but it worked on me.

I knew nothing about what this movie would be when I decided to catch it at a recent film festival. Perhaps that's part of why it got to me so much. I was blindsided by how funny and sad it was. I was constantly crying or laughing or both.

In this instance, I can't help but judge it based on how it affected me as a viewer. It was an emotional movie-going experience and I really loved it.
Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
All this user's reviews
8
BHBarryOct 7, 2016
“A Man Called Ove” is a Swedish film based on the best selling novel by Frederik Bachman who together with director Hannes Holm wrote the screenplay. The well known Swedish actor, Rolf Lassgard. portrays Mr. Ove in this story of a widowed“A Man Called Ove” is a Swedish film based on the best selling novel by Frederik Bachman who together with director Hannes Holm wrote the screenplay. The well known Swedish actor, Rolf Lassgard. portrays Mr. Ove in this story of a widowed senior who confronts the loss of his wife and ponders his future as he meets and interacts with new neighbors and acquaintances in the small town where he and his wife lived. This is a simple film filled with simple characters who in some way or another bring hope and joy to their otherwise bland existences. What makes the film work is that it is effortless viewing as the audience, via flashback, witnesses the youth and adulthood of Mr. Ove and how, in each instance, he plays the hands life has dealt him. I give the film an 8.0 with a note to anyone wishing to see it that it will no longer be distributed and available for viewing after October 13, an indeed unlucky number for anyone who misses it. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
7
Brent_MarchantNov 10, 2016
This quirky, bittersweet Swedish comedy takes some time to find traction and waxes more than a little melodramatic at times. However, its clever storytelling, fine performances and offbeat humor make up for some of its formulaic shortcomings.This quirky, bittersweet Swedish comedy takes some time to find traction and waxes more than a little melodramatic at times. However, its clever storytelling, fine performances and offbeat humor make up for some of its formulaic shortcomings. A touching, fun-filled matinee offering for sure. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
9
kathytreeceJan 23, 2017
Simple, feel good comedy. I love foreign movies to see how other people live and deal with everyday occurrences. Saw it at the Riverview. The audience clapped at the end of the movie.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
SupermoviefanNov 2, 2016
What a touching, well-acted, quietly entertaining movie "A Man Called Ove" is. I felt like I was taken back to another time when art movie houses offered wonderful Ingmar Bergman films. "One" offers a refreshing look at what both seniors andWhat a touching, well-acted, quietly entertaining movie "A Man Called Ove" is. I felt like I was taken back to another time when art movie houses offered wonderful Ingmar Bergman films. "One" offers a refreshing look at what both seniors and new immigrants have to deal with today. The setting is Sweden, but it could be anywhere. You start off not liking the old man, Ove, but then as he slowly recovers from his wife's death, his humanity starts to show through. The film is done with taste and surprising good humor, but with all the predictable warts of everyday life. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
jeremypNov 23, 2016
If a movie about a man's repeated failures at suicide can be called poignant and funny, then this one is for you. Ove is a "Condo Nazi", a stickler for community rules and regulations, a crabby neighbor, and a depressed widower. FlashbacksIf a movie about a man's repeated failures at suicide can be called poignant and funny, then this one is for you. Ove is a "Condo Nazi", a stickler for community rules and regulations, a crabby neighbor, and a depressed widower. Flashbacks fill us in on salient details that shaped his life, and the people who he admired, and who were, for the most part, sounder humans than he. But for them his inner nature of withdrawn reclusiveness would have sucked him dry. In the end it's an Iranian neighbor who keeps him afloat long enough for him meet his maker naturally. Always funny, always quirky, and ultimately always human, this movie is a must see for anyone needing a boost. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
8
LeZeeJan 24, 2017
The life after the loved one departed.
24 January 2017
This is a Swedish film based on the book of the same name. It is sent to represent the nation at the 2017 Oscars and as for now, it made into the December shortlist. This is the tale of
The life after the loved one departed.
24 January 2017
This is a Swedish film based on the book of the same name. It is sent to represent the nation at the 2017 Oscars and as for now, it made into the December shortlist. This is the tale of an old grumpy man and the life after the death of his wife. That would be a toughest phase of life for anybody. I am sure you had seen many films like this, but this one was slightly different, yet totally convincing on every topic it focused on. So funny, at a time meaningful and emotional, particularly how the tale ends.

In a small township, a 59 year old man called Ove lived most of his life and now he decides to take his life. But the attempt was prevented when a new lousy neighbour arrives and so it keep delays further. Now's the time to reveal all the reasons behind his dreadful decision with lots of flashbacks and current affairs. That he's a nightmare in his neigbourhood to those who break the rules. He's not a friendly type, because of his childhood and the lessons he learnt from his father to face the life as tough it gets.

The only friend he ever had did not last for a long. His wife was his world and then the job at the railway. The narration given a good enough focus on his romance life. His younger version, played by another actor reveals particularly the initial stage like how he had met her. I don't know these actors, but they all were so good. A perfect setting as well for the story to take place. I think the filmmakers did lots of best decisions and in the end it all paid off with a greater recognition in the international level.

"Honesty is the best thing, Ove. But sometimes honesty needs a little help."

A heartwarming comedy-drama for all age groups. I was looking for such a film and I realised only after watching it. The character Ove was designed awesomely and all the story events built around him was excellent. Covered most of the topics like friendship, love, neighbours, job, moral values, even the pet animals. Loads of fun, guaranteed entertainment if you are seeking a comedy film. As Ove was portrayed very seriously, all his actions, especially the newly arrived woman make major difference to end the film most comedic way.

The regularly visiting his wife's grave, the film beautifully gives an insight on the life of Ove being a widower and a retiree. But also how it all turns around for him who never laughs and finally he does, was the film's highlight. Like I always say, I'm not a book person, but I love watching films based on the good books like this one. An awesome adaptation and I hope those who loved the book, as well enjoyed the film.

Usually all the good films run nearly or over two hours. Because of the slow and steady developments in its characters and the story. For this film, you won't notice the time. The pace of the narration, including the lovable characters and the storyline makes you forget everything else. In a few days the 89th American Academy Awards nominees will be announced and I am sure it will make. Looks like this year, three Scandinavian films going to make the noise at the Oscars. In the meantime, I hint you not to miss it, either it wins or lose, it is one of the best films of the year around the world.

8/10
Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
9
MCS33Oct 8, 2016
It was a boring Saturday and I was ready for subtitles...This movie could not have been any sweeter. Everyone was laughing except when they were blubbering. Predictable somewhat, but poignant and lovely also. I would go and see it again withIt was a boring Saturday and I was ready for subtitles...This movie could not have been any sweeter. Everyone was laughing except when they were blubbering. Predictable somewhat, but poignant and lovely also. I would go and see it again with more kleenex. You appreciate how the movie winds back and forth in Ove's life. He seems like an old curmudgeon until you are allowed to witness his grief. Lovely to watch and submerse myself in on a hot afternoon. Go see it if you can. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
8
mstiversSep 14, 2020
From the very beginning, you can see that the grumpy old man will turn out to have a heart of gold. But his very particular backstory, and some comedy that goes some pretty dark places, raise it above the Hallmark level. But you definitely will cry!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
TVJerryOct 31, 2016
Ove is the title character from Frederik Backman’s novel. He's a typically grumpy old man who rigidly enforces his housing community's rules and continuously reminisces about his deceased wife. There are also flashbacks to formative momentsOve is the title character from Frederik Backman’s novel. He's a typically grumpy old man who rigidly enforces his housing community's rules and continuously reminisces about his deceased wife. There are also flashbacks to formative moments from his youth and a few neighbors who manage to work their way into his heart. Yes, it's one of those films. The scenario and the character are about as original as the title (meaning not very), but it's well directed, nicely acted and sweetly told. Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
6
TyranianApr 11, 2019
This is a fairly entertaining Swedish black comedy with good acting and a few laughs.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
ali20482Dec 1, 2017
ابتدا کتابش را خواندم و به نظرم رسید هر کدام از ما یک اوه در زندگیمان نیاز داریم با این نگاه به تماشای فیلم نشستم فیلم به جرات ضعیف تر از کتاب بود که البته مربوط به محدودیت های تصویر نسبت به تخیلِ خواننده در زمان خواندن است اما در نهایت اگرابتدا کتابش را خواندم و به نظرم رسید هر کدام از ما یک اوه در زندگیمان نیاز داریم با این نگاه به تماشای فیلم نشستم فیلم به جرات ضعیف تر از کتاب بود که البته مربوط به محدودیت های تصویر نسبت به تخیلِ خواننده در زمان خواندن است اما در نهایت اگر بعنوان یک فیلم فقط به آن نگاه کنیم فیلم خوبیست که از دل اروپا آمده است و از حواشی وجنبه های هالیوودی به دور است و با روایتی جذاب داستانی گیرا را تعریف می کند Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
DawdlingPoetNov 21, 2021
I thought this film was quite well done. I have read the novel its based on and I recognised most of what happened from my recollections of the book. Its a bit like a Scandinavian version of Victor Meldrew from the BBC sitcom One Foot In TheI thought this film was quite well done. I have read the novel its based on and I recognised most of what happened from my recollections of the book. Its a bit like a Scandinavian version of Victor Meldrew from the BBC sitcom One Foot In The Grave - Ove is a decent guy who has had a slightly tough past but he comes across as quite snippy and oaf-ish, although he's more likeable than would first appear. It certainly has a sentimental aspect, although it is seemingly quite bleak certainly at the start. As a trigger warning, it does show preparations for suicide attempts, which may upset some, so bare that in mind. I thought the main character was very well portrayed by the actor Rolf Lassgard.

It may feature some dark comedy, undoubtedly, but it also felt like quite a re-assuring film and I thought it was well done. Also, here is one short line of dialogue I remember, that made me smile (it was said by Ove himself, responding to someone complaining about him near his house):-
'old man? im not your old man, **** - im angry man!' heh!. The film is in Swedish but if your ok with subtitles (or, of course, understand Swedish) then I would definitely recommend it.
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
BenWomackMar 4, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not true. A Mr. Mark Kermode recommendation. A man tries to commit suicide, following the death of his wife. Meanwhile, his neighbours make life worth living. Then he dies… “properly”

I felt a bit put upon, when, his dad having been hit by a train, his wife had a bus crash that left her a paraplegic? person. But I recommend.

Thanks.
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
AncientAmberJul 16, 2023
Way too sentimental for me. Flashbacks are a pet peeve of mine, and this film feels like 40% flashback.

I feel like there's a much darker, grittier version of this film that could be made that I might like more. I wish I'd read the book instead.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
AnatolieeOct 17, 2020
9.5/10 A touching and at the same time funny story about an evil old man. Realy good swedish movie, thas tells beautiful old man's story. Idea it's not realy new, but well submitted. Very pleasant and interesting main character to which you9.5/10 A touching and at the same time funny story about an evil old man. Realy good swedish movie, thas tells beautiful old man's story. Idea it's not realy new, but well submitted. Very pleasant and interesting main character to which you feel from the first minutes of the film. Minor characters are also interesting. The actor in the lead role fit perfectly. The only thing you can find fault with is flashbacks, they had some plot holes. Camera work is unremarkable, and editing in places is clumsy. But watching a movie does not spoil it at all. Who likes the genre of comedy drama, the film must really like! Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
royalguy07Sep 11, 2022
Really enjoyed this start to finish, thought some of the flashback sequences really dragged the movie slightly. Wonderful leading performance.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews