J Hearn

It is interesting that the film won awards in Europe but not in the English-speaking world. Not sure why; I think it is outstanding. As well as Geoffrey Rush, the music plays a superb role to which the Director offers honorable space. For instance, as the camera displays the collection of wonderful portraits of women, the music and the visual beauty are enough to capture all our attention. His first experience of a relationship and physical love transforms a mature austere auctioneer into a generous happy communicative friend. This makes the climax of betrayal all the more devastating. Many people are disappointed with the ending. The shock makes this highly respected professional ill but as he slowly recovers from a mental breakdown, he decides to pursue the young deceivers to Italy. The film and the music conclude before we witness the anticipated confrontation.

I would to add 'intelligence' and 'unfortunate' to a critic's descriptive words: 'quintessential angry lonely old man' whose favourite word is 'idiot'. Through no fault of his own he lacks any close relatives. He has also actually witnessed the death of his father and his only child. Lovely teacher wife, who doesn't come into film as much as she could have perhaps, is replaced by endearing organizing neighbour with children and husband who have no compunction about demanding Ove's help. No one seems to have remarked on the appearances of children and cat; their behaviour so natural and normal that one forgets they are performing for the camera. Integration of flashbacks so skilful and comfortable,imperceptibly serving to create a character one begins to like admire and respect.