Swedish Oscar-Nominated Movie, A Man Called Ove, Scratches the Surface and Touches the Heart

This year, I’ve been honored to review the Oscar-nominated Swedish film directed by Hannes Holm, A Man Called Ove, based on Fredrik Backman’s bestselling novel. It stars veteran Swedish actor Rolf Lassgård and Swedish-Iranian actress, Bahar Pars in a delightful film that reminded me so much of my own experiences with the Swedes. Ove, the main protagonist of the film, is a seemingly grumpy and uptight man who is fed up with the world and society he lives in. As the story unfolds and is told in flashbacks, you start to understand that he has good reason to be a curmudgeon. You discover quite subtly that deep down, he’s a kind and gentle soul with completely normal vices and emotions which don’t show itself in the obvious way.

One thing that has always fascinated me about the Swedes is that they don’t always wear their hearts on their sleeves. I may be exaggerating, but there is an element of truth to this in their culture, as I’ve experienced first hand the private emotions that bubble underneath the surface when I deal with my Swedish relations. There’s even a mention of the notorious “Jantelagen” or the Law of Jante, a Swedish phenomenon that has a history and influence in Swedish culture. It basically means no one should be better than the other, and to have more than your neighbor can cause grief and jealousy, an important cultural reference to note. I feel that this story accurately depicts the Swedish psyche and inner workings of an introverted man who has never really talked much or shown his feelings to anyone but his beloved wife, Sonja.

It becomes clear that Ove has experienced true love and happiness in his life, which drives him to do the right thing but also causes deep regret and angst. Ove’s anger grows inside as he keeps to himself in isolation and lashes out to unwitting neighbors around him. But Parvaneh, the Swedish Iranian woman who moves into his neighborhood with her growing family, literally bursts into his lonely life and shakes it up by her friendly and open attitude. Much like his late wife, she and her daughters reach in and touch his heart, which completely changes everything thereafter.

At first, I expected to laugh out loud a lot, but it was definitely more of a drama than anything else. Make sure you bring a packet of tissues and friends who appreciate a heartwarming film. Nominated for two Oscars at the Academy Awards 2017 for Best Foreign Film and Best Hair/Make-up, A Man Called Ove deserves the accolade and will surely pull at your heart strings.

Opening Friday, February 17, 2017 in Toronto at the Cineplex Odeon Varsity Theatre where you can purchase movie tickets online. Showtimes and prices will be announced Wednesday, February 15th.

View Trailer Here

Come to Our Swedish Movie Night Event Saturday, Feb. 18th!

The Swede Life in Toronto and Nordic Languages Initiative present a magical day of Swedish inspiration!

We’ve put together a special event for this year’s Oscar-nominated Swedish movie, A Man Called Ove. We start with an afternoon show at the Cineplex Varsity Theatre (4:05 pm show, but you may see any show you desire 🙂). Afterwards, we head over to Karelia Kitchen, downtown Toronto’s only Nordic restaurant, to mix and mingle at our sensational Swedish Cocktail Hour to enjoy some beloved Scandinavian aquavit and a unique cocktail. We will then enjoy a Swedish and Persian dinner inspired by the movie itself! Vad kul det ska bli!

PURCHASE DINNER AND DRINK TICKETS ONLINE or TO RSVP TO THE SWEDISH COCKTAIL PARTY

When

Saturday, February 18th

• A MAN CALLED OVE – MOVIE @Cineplex Odeon Varsity Theatre (4:05 pm show) – Buy your own tickets online
• SWEDISH COCKTAIL HOUR @Karelia Kitchen (6:30* to 7:30 pm) – See prices below *NOTE Time change to be after the movie, so now it’s only 1 hour long!
• A MAN CALLED OVE-INSPIRED DINNER @Karelia Kitchen (7:30 to 9:00 pm) – See prices below

See our Facebook Event page for more info or to receive updates!

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Where

KARELIA KITCHEN

Toronto’s spectacular Scandinavian restaurant
1194 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6H 1N2
Just west of Dufferin near Dufferin TTC station on the Bloor/Danforth Green Line

FOR DINNER, YOU MUST PURCHASE AHEAD TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT(S) BY FRIDAY, FEB 17TH – THERE’S A 24 PERSON LIMIT!

FOR THE COCKTAIL PARTY, YOU MUST RSVP BY FRIDAY, FEB 17TH ON OUR SITE ABOVE, YOU CAN EITHER PURCHASE DRINKS AHEAD OR AT THE RESTAURANT – THERE’S ALSO A MAX CAPACITY LIMIT!

Cocktail Drink Packet

Served during the cocktail hour or dinner:
Valkyrie Cocktail
(Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Dillons Gin and Blood Orange Nectar)

AND

(1 OF BELOW)
Coyote’s Run Pinot Grigio OR Reif Black Oak Gamay Noir OR Aquavit Shot

Drinks Sold Separately/Billed at the Restaurant

(Prices in this list do not include HST and Tip)

• Aquavit Shot $7
• Valkyrie Cocktail (Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Dillons Gin and Blood Orange Nectar) $10
• Coyote’s Run Pinot Grigio $7
• Reif Black Oak Gamay Noir $7
• Tuborg Gold $6
• Brickworks 1902 Cider $6

A Man Called Ove-Inspired Menu (7:30 to 9:00 pm)

SWEDISH APPETIZER

Fish Sampler of Beet-cured Gravlax, Smoked Trout and Alderwood-smoked Salmon With Dill Mustard Mayonnaise, Frisee and Blueberries
Rödbetsgravad lax, rökt öring, alrökt lax med dill- och senapsmajonnäs, örtsallad och blåbär

SCANDINAVIAN OR IRANIAN MAIN

Pan-seared Icelandic Cod
Creamed Leeks and Cabbage with Pancetta Crisp and Red Wine Sauce
Pannstekt isländsk torsk
Stuvad purjolök och vitkål med pancetta och rödvinssås 

OR

Persian Chicken with Fresh Turmeric and Preserved Lemon
Saffron Rice with Dried Apricot and Toasted Almonds, Buttered Sugar Snap Peas
Persisk kyckling med gurkmeja och inlagd citron
Saffran ris med torkad aprikos och rostade mandlar, smörade sockerärtor

OR

Vegetarian Ratatouille Pot Pie
Spinach, Avocado, Blueberry Salad and Roasted Garlic Dressing
Vegetarisk Ratatouille-paj
Spenat, avocado och blåbär sallad med rostad vitlöksdressing

NORDIC DESSERT

Almond Meringue Cake with Jam and Custard, Berries, Mint and Whipped Cream
Mandelmarängtårta med sylt och vaniljsås, bär, mint och grädde

PRICES/PACKETS

**all prices include 13% HST + 15% TIP + 5% service fee**

Dinner only = $47

Dinner with cocktail drink packet = $70
(Dinner+1 Valkyrie cocktail+1 glass of wine or 1 shot aquavit)

Cocktail drink packet = $23
(1 Valkyrie cocktail+1 glass of wine or 1 shot aquavit)

• All other drinks can be purchased at the restaurant on your own (see prices above).
• BYOB=$12/bottle corkage fee paid at the restaurant

PURCHASE DINNER AND DRINK TICKETS ONLINE or TO RSVP TO THE SWEDISH COCKTAIL PARTY

NOTE

• Spaces are limited to 24 people for dinner and you must purchase dinner tickets to reserve your seat by Friday, February 17th.
• You must also RSVP to attend the Swedish Cocktail Hour. You will be able to purchase drinks on your own and will be billed at the restaurant.
• BYOB is allowed with a $12/bottle corkage fee

Come and join us for a spectacular Swedish day. VÄLKOMNA!