There are films that make you laugh, there are films that make you cry and many films that do both. Then there's one about a man called Otto. This takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout.
We meet Otto, who on the face of it is just a grumpy old man with his daily routines, checking everything is order in his neighbourhood, almost to the point of obsession. Checking the permit parking badges are displayed correcting, the recycling is deposited in the correct bins and ensuring his no-thru street, stays a no-thru street. Blunt and stony faced, with a wall up to the outside world.
Hanks is, of course, just amazing. When is he not (answers not required!). The personal journey Otto goes on throughout the film is heart-breaking and heart-warming. The tiny changes in Otto's face as his daily life begins to evolve are just genius from Hanks. Even the increasingly often and louder grunts when he enjoys food provided by his neighbour, tells us of his changing perspectives.
Nearly stealing the show from Hanks is his friendly, fun and vivacious new neighbour Marisol, played by Mariana Trevino, who moves in across the street with her husband and their two daughters'. She brings a lot of the laughs, but also starts to see through his steely exterior, finds out what has happened to him and starts to try to reach the man trapped inside. As she does some of the most poignant and beautiful scenes of the film are played out.
Of course, the one that really steals the show is the cat. They always do!
I can't really go into the plot without spoiling it. All I can say is be prepared, some scenes, whilst touched with humour are also surprisingly heart-breaking. You really do want to reach out to Otto, help him and give him a hug. Marisol does that for us.
I haven't seen the original Swedish film, A Man Called Ove, or read the book that was based on, but I will try to seek them out. Before this film I hadn't heard of them, so hopefully it can bring a new audience to the originals too.
By the end of the film I felt that I was part of this tight-knit community, I felt like I lived on that no-thru street and they were all my family and friends, and when they cried, I cried with them.
A wonderful film, full of heart which will have you bursting out loud laughing and most likely loud sobs too - but it earns that. Bravo. A great start to 2023 at the pictures. Come on then who's next?
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