A Man Called Otto (2023) – runtime. 126 minutes
Director: Marc Forster
Cast: Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Truman Hanks, Mike Birbiglia
The movie is a remake of the Swedish film A Man Called Ove, based on Fredrik Backman’s novel. It follows the life of Otto Anderson, a grumpy widower and retired steelworker living alone in Pittsburgh. Through flashbacks, we learn of his emotional wounds, including the loss of his wife and unborn child. He contemplates suicide, but each attempt is interrupted in unexpected and often comical ways leading him back to life and happiness in loving human relationships.
Otto’s story is a poignant reminder that everyone carries hidden pain, and it’s important to approach others with empathy and understanding. The intrusive Hispanic family with their children force their way into Otto’s life, and he is gradually drawn to play father and grandfather, undertaking to teach driving to the pregnant mother, and babysitting for her children. His other attempts also get interrupted, and he decides to return to life gradually, giving up his grumpiness and unsociable behavior. He is even forced to adopt the stray cat and patch up with his old friend, the now invalid Ruben, and his wife Anita. Otto comes to their rescue from the manipulative real estate company attempting to trick them out of their house. His story ends on a reflective note, reminding us that every life has meaning and that we can make a difference in others’ lives by showing compassion and love.
Blue Miracle (2021). Runtime 95 minutes
Director: Julio Quintana
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Jimmy Gonzales, Fernanda Urrejola, Miguel Angel Garcia, Nathan Arenas, Anthony Gonzalez, Isaac Arellanes …
The movie is based on the true story of Omar Venegas, a former street boy who now runs a shelter for troubled boys in the Mexican port town of Cabo San Lucas. Omar and his wife, Becca, provide a home for boys who have nowhere else to go and help them to turn their lives around. However, the shelter is facing financial difficulties, and Omar has a large bank debt that he can’t repay. The story takes place during the 2014 Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament, which is a famous sport fishing competition offering a huge cash prize. The tournament is a three-day event, during which teams compete to catch the largest marlin. Captain Wade, a seasoned fisherman who has won the tournament twice before, is eager to participate again and win the prize money. However, a hurricane hits the town, and many competitors are discouraged from attending. Meanwhile, the shelter is nearly ruined, and Omar is struggling to provide food for the boys. When a delinquent boy steals a watch from Captain Wade, he is taken in by Omar and forced to help out at the shelter. In exchange, Omar agrees to return the stolen watch and asks Captain Wade to teach the boys how to fish. Wade is initially reluctant, but he agrees to help out when he realizes that his chances of winning the tournament are slim without a local partner. The team’s first two days of fishing are disastrous, but Omar’s determination and the boys’ faith keep them going. They are also helped by a little boy’s “miracle nail,” which he believes will bring them luck. As they head out to sea for the final day of the tournament, they are faced with a series of challenges that test their character and resolve. In the end, Omar and his team manage to catch the largest marlin of the tournament, winning the prize money and saving the shelter from closure. The movie delivers a message of hope and resilience, showing that even in the face of adversity, miracles can happen if we stay true to our values and never give up.
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