Review by John Delia
Heartfelt, touching, compassionate and tragic yet romantic, the film A Man Called Ove comes to America from Sweden. The country’s choice for their entry into the Academy Awards best foreign film, the movie should make the top 5 in that category. All around best in direction, acting, cinematography, music and script the film has the potential for a nomination in the top 10 for overall Best Picture.
Although it’s early for such predictions, there hasn’t been much from the USA that has as many attributes. The only drawback is the Swedish language that will have the film running in art houses instead of American mainstream. If you are lucky to find it in your area, bring a box of tissues as you’ll need them.
Widower 59-year-old Ove (Rolf Lassgard) stops off at the flower shop to bring a bouquet to the grave of his wife. On his way to work each morning fastidious Ove checks over the area where he lives from the garbage to the signs. His pet peeve however involves the private road into the community does not allow regular traffic. When he gets to the railroad yard his young bosses call him in the office and inform him that they are offering a state-run program that will better him for opportunities.
Quitting, Ove returns home with notions of killing himself so he can be with his beloved wife again in spirit. When Patrick (Tobias Almborg), his Persian pregnant wife Parvaneh (Bahar Pars) and their two children move in across the street, Ove finds himself in a life changing dilemma. After establishing his characters director and writer Hannes Holm treats us to a very nicely scripted film that’s filled with many modern day problems, issues and situations, most of which supply the much needed comedy. The film even makes an interesting statement on government health care while touching on the difficulties of emigration.
Holm does an exquisite job of melding the past with present day as he shows Ove’s struggle with the loss of his family members including his dear wife who made life worth living. Now being invaded by a family that moves into his “space†and taking advantage of his kindness, he must clear up the mess he’s in before taking his own life. It’s this righteousness that controls his soul and gives meaning to his life that makes the movie so charming and heartfelt.
The extra treat here however, is the performance by Rolf Lassgard who brings this wonderfully kind, devoted, romantic yet unbearable man to the screen. Much like two American films St. Vincent and Gran Toreno, they both deal with men who have lost touch with the American dream and social change. Here Rolf’s Ove finds himself in a quandary on whether to end his life or continue with the growing changes that are getting under his skin. It’s an amazing performance that makes a complete arc from bitter to sweet.
In the role of Parvaneh the strong willed woman who works her way into the life of Ove, Bahar Pars creates a staunch character that cannot be denied. Still insisting on communicating using her native Farsi when she gets mad, she gets her point across even if Ove wants to avoid it. Knowing what she wants to accomplish with Ove, she sets out to turn the man around and open him up to the real world.
A Man Called Ove has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for thematic content, some disturbing images, and language. The film plays out in Swedish and Farsi with easy to read English Subtitles. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for youngsters.
FINAL ANALYSIS: This film has heart, a whole lot of it. (A+)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Rolf Lassgard, Bahar Pars, Filip Berg, Ida Engvoll, Tobias Almborg, Chatarina Larsson, Borje Lundberg, Stefan Godicke
Directed and written by: Hannes Holm
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Foreign, (in Sweedish and Farsi dialogue with English Subtitles)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic content, some disturbing images, and language
Running Time: 1hr. 56 min
Release Date: October 28, 2016
Distributed by: Music Box Films