As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for poignant dramas that tug at one’s heartstrings, I find myself deeply moved by the remakes of beloved films like “A Man Called Ove” and its latest iteration, “A Man Called Otto.” Having seen both the original Swedish production and the American remake, I must say, Tom Hanks has once again proven his versatility as an actor.
In the world of cinema, remakes have become quite prevalent, causing frustration among viewers who crave fresh, unique narratives. However, this longing for originality hasn’t managed to slow down the numerous remake announcements this year or those scheduled for the future. Major studios find it appealing to resurrect old tales and present them to a new generation of viewers due to their past success and an existing fan base.
When it comes to the announcement of remakes for movies that originally premiered in the last decade, it’s understandable if some level of doubt arises. Yet, these adaptations have their merits: both American and global viewers can gain from the reinterpretation of one tale. In doing so, the directors involved are afforded the opportunity to infuse the story with cultural nuances and a fresh perspective.
Reimaginations, when treated with great care, can underscore the timelessness of a story. Movies such as A Star Is Born are among several instances where remakes have been thought by many viewers to surpass the originals. These films hail from various parts of the globe and offer fresh perspectives on well-known narratives, thus illuminating familiar themes in a new way.
7 Last Shift (2014)
Remade as Malum (2024)
The 2014 horror film “Last Shift” features Juliana Harkavy as Officer Jessica Loren, who’s tasked with working the late-night shift. Given her father, a police officer who perished during a similar shift, her mother has valid concerns. However, they are both taken aback by the extraordinary occurrences that unfold on that particular night.
In the movie titled “Last Shift“, Loren struggles to stay alive during the night and tries to comprehend the mysterious supernatural occurrences that could potentially disintegrate her. The film garnered robust, favorable critiques; critics such as Dread Central’s Staci Layne Wilson commended its gripping pace and Harkavy’s acting prowess. Despite a straightforward premise, the journey it leads us on to reach the spine-tingling climax is nothing less than satisfying.
A full ten years later, a remake called “Malum” by the same creative team hit the screens. Just like its original counterpart, this film left audiences spellbound. The captivating ensemble cast drove the audience with their charm and allure. Accompanied by a consistently engaging plot, fans of the previous version can enjoy “Malum” without fearing a dip in quality.
6 The Intouchables (2011)
Remade as The Upside (2017)
The movie titled “The Intouchables“, inspired by real events, is a heartwarming French production that illuminates the profound friendship between Philippe (François Cluzet), a wealthy individual with disabilities, and Driss (Omar Sy), an individual who unexpectedly becomes Philippe’s caretaker. This delightful buddy comedy follows these two individuals from distinct backgrounds as they spend time together, discovering more about each other, which significantly influences their personal insights on life. Leveraging their unusual bond, Driss and Phillipe provide viewers with a genuine friendship that softens the potentially concerning elements of the film.
In summary, most French critics appreciated the movie as a heartfelt portrayal of male camaraderie, with the two leads subtly expressing their awareness of their marginalized status. However, British critics had mixed feelings about the film. Some, such as The Independent, found themselves puzzled by its popularity and raised concerns regarding the film’s treatment of race, suggesting that the friendship between Driss and Philippe resembled that in Driving Miss Daisy.
Despite facing much controversy, the movie ultimately garnered numerous awards and was remade in America with Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart as the leads. The 2017 release, titled The Upside, follows a similar narrative involving characters Dell (Hart) and Phillip (Cranston). However, unlike its French counterpart, this version was met with harsher criticism by critics who deemed it overly preachy and manipulative. Many also felt that the film fell short in capturing the natural humor and camaraderie between Cranston and Hart.
5 The Guilty (2018)
Remade as The Guilty (2021)
Originally produced by Nordisk Film Spring and New Danish Screen in 2018, the movie titled “The Guilty” unfolds with Jakob Cedergren, Jessica Dinnage, and Johan Olsen in leading roles. The gripping crime thriller revolves around Asper Holm (Cedergren), a police officer from Copenhagen who finds himself on the brink before a hearing regarding the murder of a 19-year-old. A mysterious call from an unknown person named Østergård sets off events, and as he uncovers deceptions, Holm takes it upon himself to take charge of the situation.
Following its debut, the Danish movie received widespread acclaim, being categorized as a “thriller with a sophisticated concept” by Rotten Tomatoes. Moreover, it reigned supreme during the award season, winning several Robert Awards, two Bodil Awards, and placing among the top five Foreign Language Films of 2018. To list some achievements, it garnered numerous other accolades as well.
2021 saw a fresh take on the movie, with Jake Gyllenhaal, Riley Keough, and Ethan Hawke in leading roles. This updated version unfolds in Los Angeles, where we follow troubled police officer Joe Baylor (Gyllenhaal). After receiving a call from Emily Lighton (Keough), he discovers her precarious predicament and dedicates himself to helping her, working relentlessly to do so.
Regarding the American adaptation, it seems to be receiving positive feedback overall; however, many movie enthusiasts and experts agree that it doesn’t hold a candle to the original content. This is due in part to issues with pacing and the film’s muted exploration of moral dilemmas during an emergency situation.
4 Blind (2011)
Remade as The Witness (2015)
In this intriguing drama, Chinese actress Yang Mi is paired with ex-EXO member Luhan. The story revolves around a new police officer, played by Yang Mi, whose life takes an unexpected turn during a single fateful night. Upon learning that her brother, an aspiring singer, has gotten into trouble, Lu Xiaoxing (Yang Mi) abandons her duties to pick him up. However, their car collides fatally on the way home, claiming the life of her brother and leaving Lu Xiaoxing blind. The film primarily follows Lu Xiaoxing’s heartbreaking journey towards recovery as she grapples with grief.
A Decent Reimagination Of Blind, With Much To Consider
A revamped version of the 2011 South Korean suspense-thriller titled “Blind,” starring Yang Mi, tackled issues like loss, corruption, and misogyny thoughtfully enough to create a passable movie. However, the film garnered mixed opinions as viewers felt that while the actors’ performances were compelling, the storytelling and its execution lacked sufficient depth in explaining the horrific acts portrayed on screen.
On the flip side, the movie “Blind” garnered slightly more positive critic reviews. Notably, its leading actress Kim Ha-neul was awarded “Best Actress” at the 48th Grand Bell Awards and the 32nd Blue Dragon Film Awards. However, opinions on the source material were divided, with Derek Elley from Film Business Asia stating that the film failed to reach its full potential.
3 Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
Remade 4 Times in 2017, 2019, and 2022
“Miracle in Prison Cell Number 7” is a South Korean drama revolving around the heartwarming bond between Ye-sung, portrayed by Park Shin-ye, a lawyer, and her imprisoned father, Lee Yong-gu, played by Ryu Seung-ryong. The narrative takes us on a journey through time, revealing the circumstances that landed her father behind bars and offering glimpses into the life of a young Ye-sung, as portrayed by Kal So-won.
The movie is often praised for offering a captivating look into the past, focusing on themes like justice, the significance of remembering, and mourning. Following its premiere, it garnered outstanding reviews and became one of the top-performing Korean films that year thanks to an effective grassroots promotion effort.
In my movie-loving perspective, the original flick left such an impact that it sparked multiple reboots, all bearing the same title. One of the initial adaptations was a 2017 Indian production titled “Pushpaka Vimana.” Starring Ramesh Aravind, Rachita Ram, and Baby Yuvina Parthavi, this movie unfolded in Hindi and revolved around a South Asian family grappling with similar hardships. Much like the original, it was met with appreciation upon release. Critics acknowledged the script’s dialogue-heavy nature but praised the heartwarming exploration of a father-daughter bond it presented.
Without much delay, another adaptation emerged, this time in the Philippines in 2019. Headlined by Aga Muhlach, Bela Padilla, and Xia Vigor. The Filipino rendition closely follows the original narrative, presenting a parallel story of a father falsely imprisoned and his daughter’s struggle to right the wrongs perpetuated by the justice system while navigating it herself. Much like its preceding adaptations, the Philippine remake garnered widespread acclaim in its home country, with many cinemas reporting sold-out shows nationwide.
That same year, Turkish filmmakers unveiled their adaptation of Miracle in Cell No. 7, featuring stars like Aras Bulut İynemli, Nisa Aksongur, and Deniz Baysal. The story commences with a portrayal of Turkey’s 2004 law abolishing capital punishment. It then delves into the heartwarming bond between Ova (Hayal Köseoğlu) and her father, chronicling their relationship from childhood until a tragic accident leads to her wrongful imprisonment. The Turkish production garnered success not only due to its compelling narrative but also by being made available on Netflix, thereby attracting an expanded, global audience.
In 2022, the new adaptation of “Miracle in Cell No. 7” was brought to screens by Indonesian filmmakers. The movie features Vino G. Bastian, Graciella Abigail, and Indro, with the story revolving around Dodo Rozak (played by Bastian), a 20-year-old balloon seller, and his daughter Ika Karita (Abigail). A terrible event causes them to be separated, leading to Dodo’s wrongful accusation of horrific crimes. The film showcases the tight-knit community that develops around the pair over the ensuing years, shaping Ika’s understanding of justice as she reflects on her life experiences.
The ongoing triumph of the previously mentioned adaptations, coupled with the upcoming Spanish and American remakes, is largely due to the heartfelt narrative of the story. With its poignant exploration of themes like family loyalty, creating a new family, and resilience against oppressive societal structures, viewers can easily relate to the characters and their struggles on an emotional level.
2 Retribution (2015)
Remade 3 Times in 2018, 2021, and 2023
Titled “The Unknown” in English, this Spanish-language thriller revolves around a banker named Carlos (portrayed by Luis Tosar). On what appears to be an ordinary day, he encounters a series of unexpected events. While driving his children to school, Carlos receives a chilling phone call from a mysterious figure (Javier Gutiérrez) who warns that bombs have been planted under each seat and will explode if any of them resist their demands. The film offers a gripping exploration of themes such as greed and retribution, leaving viewers pondering whether the roles of predator and prey are as clear-cut as they seem.
Although receiving a mix of criticisms upon its initial release, the movie ultimately prompted three separate remakes from various countries. The first adaptation was titled “Steig Nicht Aus!” in Germany, where it starred Wotan Wilke Möhring as Karl Brendt, a Berlin-based project developer. One day, he receives a chilling phone call threatening to explode his car. Initially dismissing it as a prank, Karl continues with his plans. However, when a nearby vehicle explodes, he understands that he must take every necessary step to ensure the safety of his family.
2021 saw the release of another version of the film titled “Heavy Blow,” which is a Korean production. This movie focuses on a bank manager residing in Busan, played by Jo Woo-jin, who undergoes a hardship similar to that portrayed in the previous two versions. The German rendition also resonated positively with audiences, and “Heavy Blow” followed suit, becoming one of the top five Korean films financially in 2021. Like its predecessors, it delves into themes such as family, social class, and exploitation, laying the groundwork for an engaging dramatic experience.
As a devoted admirer, I recently watched the latest remake of “Retribution,” an American production with the talented Liam Neeson in the lead role. Playing an American financier living in Berlin, Matt (Neeson), I found myself unexpectedly drawn into a chilling sequence of events that have previously befallen other men. Previous installments garnered mixed to excellent reviews, but “Retribution” was met with a wave of negative feedback.
1 A Man Called Ove (2015)
Remade as A Man Called Otto (2022)
“A Man Named Ove” – This is a 2015 Swedish dramedy film featuring Rolf Lassgård in the lead role. The story unfolds in an apparently ordinary Swedish town, where our protagonist, Ove, experiences life anew after being replaced as the president of his condominium association. However, when Parvaneh, a fresh neighbor (played by Bahar Pars), inadvertently damages his mailbox, their lives take unexpected turns, initiating a chain of introspective episodes that eventually culminate in a poignant and heartwarming journey.
Fans admire the movie’s harmony in mood, where humorous and dramatic scenes enhance each other rather than dominating over each other. This heartwarming tear-jerker has remained cherished as one of the top international movies, so it’s no surprise that other directors are trying to replicate its enchantment.
A Spectacular Slice-of-Life Dramedy Revitalized In a Man Called Otto
The 2022 adaptation of “A Man Called Otto” features Tom Hanks portraying Otto, an American equivalent of Ove, often referred to by his community as the grumpy yet wise old man. Similar to the original story, Otto’s pessimistic nature is challenged when he encounters Marisol (Mariana Treviño), a new neighbor who happens to be pregnant.
Just like the movie “A Man Called Ove,” this film captivated fans by exploring deep human emotions and raising questions about whether one lifetime is enough for redemption. In particular, Treviño’s performance was outstanding. Both films, with their vivid portrayals of real life, serve as powerful reminders of our inherent longing for connection, community, and forgiveness.
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2024-09-14 06:02