Britt-Marie var här

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.

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 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).

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.

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.