A Man Called Ove

Ove is a grumpy, exacting sort of a man. He is a neighbour from hell but has a large heart. Ove has seen his life go from up and down. He meet his wife and for 30 years they lived happy as could be. Now however she has gone and he feels alone. When he tries to commit suicide however and it fails 3 times, he becomes convinced that something or someone is out to stop him...and make his life better in the process...

Based on a very popular book and seeming to be from a universal theme of hope and redemption, the film is a collection of great performances and ideas. Sometimes these are funny and sometimes they are heartfelt. They play on very current themes of gender, immigration and sexuality. A persian woman married to a European, white man. With three children (one on the way) asks us to redefine the idea of what an Asian woman can be. A gay Pakistani man, whose best friend is a white Swedish guy and whose family thrown him out after he comes out, makes us redefine the role of Asian Men. Ove is an old man, who is thrown to the scrap heap after giving his life to wife and work. He finds himself, like we all do through friends and family.

Its a rare treat to go to a film that might be 'Capraesque' but still surprises. A Man Called Ove does that with a wit, charm and skill that leaves you pleased to have seen it. The film begins with a man on the edge of hope and takes us through how he got their, interspersed with who he knew and is meeting now. This is where the film excels. The supporting cast of neighbours who become friends and family, neighbours who love him and he grows to love is wonderful. The relationships he makes, often from him being such a grump but kind at heart, is well handled and never steers over the edge.

The film was and is a well spent Sunday afternoon treat. A film I am sure to see again and want to explore its characters again and again. It is not complex and certainly not designed to motivate anything but the hope that life can and does get better.