A cute film if ignoring the original book. if one Read the book before watching this movie then it seems to have failed to capture the dynamic, the complexity, the driven, of all characters, especially Britt-Marie. The film made it feel like a little fantasy while everyone suddenly have all the energy to be optimistic and help each other after Britt-Marie came to town, none of the good interaction, the struggle in the book was reflected in the movie, makes one wondering why this happened. in the book, the starting part of Britt-Marie interaction with the girl work at the job office(arbetsförmedlingen) is a base setting part of her personality and life philosophy, and also the end part while fighting for the football plan is a symbol of fighting against bureaucrats that has way too long work breakfasts. This film seems to have removed most "disturbing" part like the robbery and background stories of the kids, and of course end of Sami to make it more cheerful and happy ending. but instead it just became a cheesy, ordinary flat and hopelessly unexciting movie.
21 Reviews
Poignant and Thoughtful.
seanmaccaleeds26 September 2021
Unremarkable, but still good.
crumpytv7 May 2021
"Kalkonrulle"
marienilsson-6648627 January 2019
Not my Britt
simonrosenbaum18 January 2023
Your opinion of this film probably does depend on if you've read the book. I did read it and to be honest didn't love it but nearly everything I did like is missing from the film. Firstly the Britt in the book was far more disfuntional and clueless but this was what drew you to her and made you like her. Then the next best thing was her relationship and reliance on the person who arranged the job that she took. This was such a pivotal part of the story that it would be like making a film of the Titanic but never mentioning that it's a boat. I realise you cannot use everything that's in a book but to leave such an important part where so much of the humour came from is such an own goal it's ludicrous. What your left with is a film that is very serviceable and workman like but with very little else.
Read the book, before watching!
lisbeth_damgaard27 January 2020
Shell of the character, shell of the story.
ransomclan9 August 2020
This movie barely scratches the surface of the personality, wittiness, action (yes, action), and liveliness of Britt-Marie and the town of Borg. Nothing against the acting, I think it's a terrible screen play, this Britt-Marie is walking around on the wrong meds.
Skip the movie, read the book.
Skip the movie, read the book.
Oh the irony...
AakeBergh30 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I don't think that I've ever seen a movie that so completely fails to evoke any emotions whatsoever.
Bland acting from otherwise good actors and a script so simple that the end credits seem like poetry in comparison.
The idea is not bad (and I assume that the book on which the film is based upon is is way better than this), but for some strange reason the movie fails in every possible way.
The two-dimensional characters (with the slight exception of Mahmut Suvakci's) are so boring, unnatural and non-credible that every attempt at creating emotions with the audience fails time and time again.
So, when the move is over and the story about a woman whose only wish is to be seen ends, I realize that I really couldn't care less. I never really noticed her, never really cared.
Bland acting from otherwise good actors and a script so simple that the end credits seem like poetry in comparison.
The idea is not bad (and I assume that the book on which the film is based upon is is way better than this), but for some strange reason the movie fails in every possible way.
The two-dimensional characters (with the slight exception of Mahmut Suvakci's) are so boring, unnatural and non-credible that every attempt at creating emotions with the audience fails time and time again.
So, when the move is over and the story about a woman whose only wish is to be seen ends, I realize that I really couldn't care less. I never really noticed her, never really cared.
Blandly level playing field
frukuk29 May 2023
Pernilla August gives a very watchable performance as Britt-Marie, but this film seemed to proceed unhindered and uninterestingly from beginning to end. There are no real challenges for Britt-Marie to overcome -- she calmly copes as it appears she always has done. No significant ups and downs and not much expression of emotion.
I suspect it's the screenplay that's at fault. I remember listening to the BBC Radio adaptation of an English translation of the source novel, back in 2017. That adaptation was 2 hours long and featured Pippa Haywood as Britt-Marie and I remember enjoying listening to it. So, it's likely the source novel has much more nuance than this film. Maybe look that out and give this film adaptation a miss?
I suspect it's the screenplay that's at fault. I remember listening to the BBC Radio adaptation of an English translation of the source novel, back in 2017. That adaptation was 2 hours long and featured Pippa Haywood as Britt-Marie and I remember enjoying listening to it. So, it's likely the source novel has much more nuance than this film. Maybe look that out and give this film adaptation a miss?
A heartwarming film
nina_glyndwr19 June 2019
As other people have pointed out here, the book gives you more layers and background information and the film would probably work best if you read the book first, that way, you will be able to understand what's going on much better.
The acting was wonderful, the casting spot on. The children were delightful and not over the top.
So many aspects of the book had to be stripped out in order for a relatively linear story to survive and make sense in just 97 minutes. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the film immensely, watching it in Swedish with subtitles. The way the Swedes talk to each other, e.g. very simple, bare, stripped down reactions, underlines the emotional intensity. They might not say much, but there's a lot bubbling inside them - and this would be better understood if one had read the book first.
Throughout the film, I was rooting for Britt-Marie. I adore films where repressed and downtrodden characters slowly unfold - like a chrysalis turning into a butterfly.
What I would like to read now is a book called "What Britt-Marie Did Next". I feel there is more potential in that character.
The acting was wonderful, the casting spot on. The children were delightful and not over the top.
So many aspects of the book had to be stripped out in order for a relatively linear story to survive and make sense in just 97 minutes. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the film immensely, watching it in Swedish with subtitles. The way the Swedes talk to each other, e.g. very simple, bare, stripped down reactions, underlines the emotional intensity. They might not say much, but there's a lot bubbling inside them - and this would be better understood if one had read the book first.
Throughout the film, I was rooting for Britt-Marie. I adore films where repressed and downtrodden characters slowly unfold - like a chrysalis turning into a butterfly.
What I would like to read now is a book called "What Britt-Marie Did Next". I feel there is more potential in that character.
This was bad, really bad
falleralla22 November 2022
How is it possible to get the actors to play so unbelievably bad. I heard good things about this but just ten minutes in Its quite obvious where this was heading. The lead actor seems to be the only one who knows anything at all about acting but still she's far from her usual level. The reason I give it a two is that it has some good intentions but manages to mess everything up. Everything is predictable and I find myself realising that this is an example of a movie that I could've done better myself, yes I know that sometimes people say that but this time it's true. This is presented like a feelgood film and for a total novice it might be but for anyone over 12 it's not.
No spy's, no guns no Superwoman
jims14124 August 2020
A very enjoyable movie that I was reluctant to watch. After wading through 762 pages of the book that seemed to have been written for prisoners on death row that had no escape, the movie was a breath of fresh air. It certainly was not Mary Poppins were every 12 seconds you were hit over the head with goodness. The movie expected more from you. If you melded at all with Britt-Marie and began to see who she was, a look of helplessness on her face told more that a 15 page explanation in the book. After loosing her sister who was the only person who she shared dreams with and never being able to find that again she stopped dreaming. And after a while you forget to look. Then if you are lucky you realize that maybe you can dream again.
A pretty decent 'feel good' type movie.
PeterHerrmann7 May 2020
The movie has a message. There are subtleties that, no doubt, were better explored in the book (as other reviewers here note), but were adequately explained in the movie. I don't usually care for 'feel good' movies, but this one was subtle, well-acted, had many decent, likable characters, and kept my interest. I certainly wouldn't call it - as some reviewers have - 'comedic', but it was uplifting. And when the message sinks in, it sinks in deeply (at least in my case).
A coming of age film, for seniors
thejdrage30 September 2022
First off, the elephant in the room, books are always better than films. And I didn't read the book, but that is a truism.
I found this by accident and it was a happy one - for me. I rated it 9 stars to make up for the lower rating that I think are unfair. I would have given it 8.
All of the actors - including the gaggle of kids - were well suited to their rolls. Vega played by Stella Oyoko Bengtsson was quietly brilliant in her addressing Britt-Marie in problems that were facing both of them. From the lips of children .....
I loved loved loved the ending where winning was defined in a way that is more realistic and humane that it usually is in today's harsh world. Not at all in black and white, but in a soft nuance that we should (and I hate that word) all take away from this sweet film and keep with us for the rest of our lives - how ever long they may be.
I found this by accident and it was a happy one - for me. I rated it 9 stars to make up for the lower rating that I think are unfair. I would have given it 8.
All of the actors - including the gaggle of kids - were well suited to their rolls. Vega played by Stella Oyoko Bengtsson was quietly brilliant in her addressing Britt-Marie in problems that were facing both of them. From the lips of children .....
I loved loved loved the ending where winning was defined in a way that is more realistic and humane that it usually is in today's harsh world. Not at all in black and white, but in a soft nuance that we should (and I hate that word) all take away from this sweet film and keep with us for the rest of our lives - how ever long they may be.
Captures the spirit of the book
eunique-233-53016316 July 2022
Movies can never give you all the details and depth that a book can. But some movies really miss what the book was really about. That is not the case with this gentle movie about a woman who needs to find herself and her place in the world. The true spirit if the book is captured, the casting is spot on. I was busy doing something, so thought I would watch only a little since it required reading subtitles. But before I knew it, I had stopped everything else and totally focused on the movie. Just like a good book that you can't put down.
I liked the book better.
dnql-0390124 May 2019
Charming movie
jan_juhlin4 February 2019
Even though it doesn't capture the complexity of Britt-Maries character, presented in the book this is still a charming little movie about the angst getting old alone and all of a sudden having to build your own life after living 40 years for someone else.
Great story of inter-generational respect
ajudd-1903423 July 2022
You can see elements of A Man Called Ove in this, even thought it's also a very different story. If you loved that film there's a good chance you'll love this one too. You will laugh and possibly cry.
I have read the book a few years ago and struggled with it, unlike other novels by Frederick Backman. The movie bought it to life for me, I need to go back and read it again.
Although the premise of the story is a little far-fetched, the theme of making the most of opportunities later in life makes for a great film. The casting is excellent. And the film's climactic moment is also realistic, showing there can be great joy in seemingly trivial outcomes.
I have read the book a few years ago and struggled with it, unlike other novels by Frederick Backman. The movie bought it to life for me, I need to go back and read it again.
Although the premise of the story is a little far-fetched, the theme of making the most of opportunities later in life makes for a great film. The casting is excellent. And the film's climactic moment is also realistic, showing there can be great joy in seemingly trivial outcomes.
Excellent!
denizuko7 March 2020
Nice movie
paulvnlwn23 December 2023
At times I got a memory of another film that also had a voice-over in almost the same context/storyline : Shirley Valentine. I liked that film too, back then in.the eighties.
Started watching this movie although I knew that Ed Stafford would be on Discovery halfway. I continued with this film and did not switch. I enjoyed it and could feel a lot.
Not sure if I can keep the inspiration to do some changes in my life the same way ,actually it is already gone but that is okay.
Not seen many films from Sweden,they can make good ones like Beck,the 6 part tv series of 1,5 hours. Still 19 characters to go.
Started watching this movie although I knew that Ed Stafford would be on Discovery halfway. I continued with this film and did not switch. I enjoyed it and could feel a lot.
Not sure if I can keep the inspiration to do some changes in my life the same way ,actually it is already gone but that is okay.
Not seen many films from Sweden,they can make good ones like Beck,the 6 part tv series of 1,5 hours. Still 19 characters to go.
Does he want a housekeeper or a wife?
tildiz14918 April 2023
No, I haven´t read the book "Britt-Marie was here" by Fredrik Backman. And the only sport I can watch with interest is figure skating. But I must say that I like Britt-Marie. She´s a hard working, strong and determined woman. She doesn´t give up when it comes to her work at the recreation center. She learns new things, especially about football as the team´s coach.
And yes, I do have a question regarding Kent, Britt-Maries cheating husband. Does he want a housekeeper or a wife? In my opinion he takes Britt-Marie for granted. She needs love and appreciation from him, not infidelity!
Yes, I do recommend watching this movie. Personally I liked this and I want to read the book.
And yes, I do have a question regarding Kent, Britt-Maries cheating husband. Does he want a housekeeper or a wife? In my opinion he takes Britt-Marie for granted. She needs love and appreciation from him, not infidelity!
Yes, I do recommend watching this movie. Personally I liked this and I want to read the book.
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