New Encounters, and New Meaning Blooming in Life

Ove, a 59-year-old widower living in a suburban housing development in Sweden, lost his beloved wife a few years ago. He is strict about neighborhood association rules, always complaining when he sees people, and never cracks a smile, making him a nuisance to his neighbors. One day, he is fired from the company where he worked for 43 years and, feeling no reason to live, decides to follow his late wife. However, just as he puts a noose around his neck from a rope hanging from the ceiling, ready to 'do it,' he hears a commotion outside. New neighbors have moved in. From then on, Ove's days are no longer about suicide. The Parvaneh family, who moved into the house across the street, keeps getting involved with Ove. They bring him home-cooked meals, ask him to teach them how to drive. Despite Ove's complaints and shouts, they are unfazed, and gradually, Ove begins to let his guard down, opening up to them and sharing memories of his wife. Those memories are filled with days of love with his cherished wife.—.



Through occasional flashback scenes, Ove's reasons for always being grumpy are gradually revealed, as if peeling back layers of a veil. He lost his mother early but was raised with deep affection by his father. After his father's death, he was left alone, but a woman illuminated his life with her bright presence and stayed by his side. And now, he has lost them both. Knowing his past, the audience deeply understands that this difficult, cantankerous old man is, in reality, a lovable person who has lived a truly rich life.

The director, with his rich character portrayals, depicts the warm connections between people with a deeply compassionate gaze that touches the heart. A subtle glance, a short line of dialogue, a radiant smile. Each of these ordinary, everyday moments is filled with the splendor of life, and the director meticulously layers them to portray Ove's life.

The direction, which makes the invisible 'feelings of people caring for each other' tangible, is truly wonderful. This film powerfully asserts that even if one is alone now, the memories of loving and being loved will never waver. I was moved to tears multiple times in seemingly ordinary scenes that lacked dramatic events.



Ove is now perceived by his neighbors merely as a stubborn, cantankerous old man, likely because the 'interpreter' who connected him to society has been lost. His cheerful, culinary-talented wife was precisely that kind of presence. But with the appearance of the new 'interpreters,' the Parvaneh family, Ove finds new happiness. Although the ones he loved have all passed away, and Ove himself has no lingering attachments to this world, it seems that as long as one is alive, it is possible to find new meaning and purpose in life.

'A Man Called Ove,' which profoundly touches the heart with the story of Ove's life, will undoubtedly be an irreplaceable gift for you and your loved ones, especially during this season when family love feels so strong.



★★★★★
A warm feeling wells up from within. If it hits the right spot, tears are inevitable.


'A Man Called Ove'
Directed and Screenplay by Hannes Holm
Starring Rolf Lassgård, Ida Engvoll, Bahar Pars, and others.
Opening Saturday, December 17th at Shinjuku Cinema Qualité, Human Trust Cinema Shibuya, and other theaters nationwide.



Jun Makiguchi
After working for Kyodo News, a festival secretariat, and magazine editing, she became an independent writer. She currently writes film columns and interviews for women's and men's magazines, focusing on lifestyle topics such as fashion, food, and music seen on screen.

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