Bookish Stuff, Meme

Streaming Sunday – A Man Called Otto

Jonetta | Blue Mood Café

 

Streaming Sunday features TV series or movies adapted from books I’ve read, offered on at least one streaming service and I’ve watched.


A Man Called Otto is based on the book A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, one of my favorites. It’s the second adaptation, the first a Swedish film made in 2015 with the same name as the book. It stars Tom Hanks as Otto, a 63-year old widower living in Pittsburgh. It’s been six months since his beloved wife Sonya died, leaving him cynical, grumpy and considering suicide after a forced retirement. The movie began a limited release on December 29, 2022 before its wide release on January 13, only in theaters. It started streaming on Netflix May 6.

The movie also stars Mariana Treviño as Otto’s new neighbor Marisol and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer) as her hapless husband Tommy. Truman Hanks appears as young Otto and Rachel Keller as the young Sonya.

 


I loved the book and it’s on my list of all-time favorites. It’s set in Sweden so the character names are consistent with those in that country. I also watched the subtitled Swedish film and loved it, too, so I was a little worried about the adaptation moving to the United States and Ove becoming Otto. No worries, though as the essence of the character was expertly translated in Hanks’s Otto, confirming him as that actor who can play any role. He’s known as being a nice guy but that’s a bonus when he’s portraying a man who’s grumpy with admirable qualities. However! It’s Mariana Treviño who steals the show as his new neighbor Marisol, a very pregnant Mexican immigrant (in the book and Swedish film she’s Pakistani) with two young daughters. She was outstanding.

 

 

Should you read the book before seeing the movie? I think so because Backman’s story is a must read. The movie adapts it pretty well but I will never forget my reading experience. You’ll do fine if you opt to go in reverse but I stand firm in my recommendation that you read the book no matter when.

 

 

The movie has a well rounded cast with other familiar faces that made this an enjoyable movie experience. Highly recommend.

 

 

Published by Jonetta | Blue Mood Café

24 thoughts on “Streaming Sunday – A Man Called Otto”

  2. I am on the fence about this. Loved the book, loved the Swedish film adaptation (not as much as the book though). Normally, Tom Hanks does a cracking job, but judging from the trailer, I didn’t really see him as Ove (or even Otto 😉 ). Anyway, I may give it a try at some point.

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  6. I’m with you, Jo. I was reluctant to watch this one because I read the book and watched the Swedish film, but gave in and I was impressed. Tom Hanks was wonderful and I agree, Mariana Treviño was excellent as his neighbour, putting up with all his antics and never giving up on him. I definitely recommend it as well.

    BTW: I finished Will Trent and loved it. I can’t wait for the next season. Thanks!

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  11. The book is one of my all time favorites, and I enjoyed the Swedish adaptation as well. I’ve been a bit worried about this adaptation with the name/character changes and everything, but I know that I’m still going to watch it. Sadly, it’s not available on Netflix Argentina… I do hope they will add it at some point.

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