A Man Called Ove
A Man Called Ove

A Man Called Ove

2015Movie116 minSwedish

Despite being deposed as president of his condominium association, grumpy 59-year-old Ove continues to watch over his neighbourhood with an iron fist. When pregnant Parvaneh and her family move into the terraced house opposite Ove and she accidentally back into Ove’s mailbox, it sets off a series of unexpected changes in his life.

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Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic63/100
Google Users93%
Director: Hannes HolmGenres: Comedy, Drama, Foreign

Plot Summary

Ove, a grumpy widower and strict rule-follower, lives in a meticulously organized neighborhood where he is the neighborhood 'watchdog.' His solitary and ordered world is disrupted when a boisterous young family moves in next door, leading to a series of unexpected friendships and hilarious confrontations. Through flashbacks, we learn about Ove's past and the love that shaped him, revealing the softer heart beneath his curmudgeonly exterior.

Critical Reception

A Man Called Ove was a critical and commercial success, particularly in its native Sweden, resonating with audiences for its blend of humor and poignant emotion. Critics praised its heartfelt performance from Rolf Lassgård and its ability to tackle themes of grief, love, and community with warmth and sincerity. It became one of the highest-grossing foreign films in the United States and was Sweden's official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

What Reviewers Say

  • A heartwarming and humorous portrayal of a curmudgeonly old man finding connection.
  • Rolf Lassgård delivers a memorable performance as the titular character.
  • Effectively balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional depth.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved the film, praising its humor, touching story, and the excellent performance by the lead actor. Many found it to be a tear-jerker that also made them laugh, appreciating its message about community and finding joy in unexpected places.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards; Won 5 Guldbagge Awards (Sweden's national film awards), including Best Film, Best Actor (Rolf Lassgård), and Best Screenplay.

Fun Fact

The character of Ove was inspired by Fredrik Backman's own neighbor, whom Backman initially found difficult but later grew to understand and appreciate.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Rolf Lassgård looks like he is enjoying his role here as the curmudgeonly old "Ove". Widowed and now, compulsorily, retired he lives in his small community where he enforces the local by-laws enthusiastically whilst generally upsetting all ...
Peter McGinn

Peter McGinn

This is of course the original Swedish version of this film, soon to be joined for posterity by a U.S. version featuring Tom Hanks. The comparison between the two productions should prove to be interesting. I actually enjoyed the movie a...
Reno

Reno

The life after the loved one departed. 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 grump...