A MAN CALLED OVE

(2015) Ove (Rolf Lassgard) is a grumpy, retired widower living in a small community over which he used to preside.  But vowing to keep order, even after being overthrown as president of the condominium association, Ove keeps things rigid in his little world, every day checking that signs are posted, doors are locked, and rules are being followed.  That and visiting his wife's nearby grave are all that's going on in his life, driving Ove to finally decide he wants to be with his beautiful Sonja forever ... even when his suicide attempt gets interrupted by new neighbors arriving (and already violating association rules) across the street, a young couple with kids who insert themselves into Ove's life and unknowingly thwart his every plan to do away with himself.  Interspersed with flashbacks of Ove and Sonja's story, and how Ove came to be who he is now, A Man Called Ove is funny, touching, sweet without the saccharine, and very romantic and real.  We've all known an Ove (or have maybe even become one), but though you may think you know how this film is going to go, it still has its charms - in its quiet, gentle way - to surprise you.  A funny, pure-hearted love story that celebrates not just romantic love but loving life itself.  (rated PG-13) 8.5/10 stars