From Loneliness to Hope: Life Transformation in “Living” and “The Man Called Otto”
In movies characters need an arc, or else the movie will be dull. It may be that in life we feel like our arc is complete and we find ourselves feeling dull and in need of a new story. This is hope when we begin a new arc with the help of people around us.
Last week, I watched the movies “Living” and “The Man Called Otto.” “Living” is a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece “Ikiru,” while “The Man Called Otto” is a remake of the Swedish film of “A man Called Ove.” Both films share the common theme of having a male protagonist who is tormented by loneliness and despair.
In “Living,” the protagonist Williams, despite being given a terminal diagnosis, contemplates what he can do to lead a meaningful life and continues to take action without giving up. Knowing his end is near, he finds moments where his life shines. In the process, Williams is determined to build a park for the children of the community, and he gains many valuable experiences.
On the other hand, Otto in “The Man Called Otto” has almost given up on his life after the death of his beloved wife. However, through his relationship with a new neighbor, he is freed from loneliness and finds new joy in life. Both films question what it means to “live” and make us reconsider the value and purpose of life.
From the opposite perspective, it also raises the question of what people can do for those who are about to take their lives or have only a limited amount of time left. How should we approach those in despair, and how can people help each other and encourage mutual growth?
A common theme in both films is the importance of the presence of others who provide the opportunity for one’s heart to open. Relationships have been shown to have the power to heal our hearts and to promote personal growth.
In “Living,” a female coworker plays a crucial role in giving Williams the impetus to build the park. Her presence helps him confront himself, and he finds joy and fulfillment by acting for the benefit of others.
In “The Man Called Otto,” Otto’s heart gradually opens as he meets his new neighbor Marison and her family. Marison empathizes with the loneliness and sadness hidden within Otto’s heart, helping him overcome past hardships and build new relationships. As a result, Otto then finds new joy in his life and begins to change for the better.
“Living” and “The Man Called Otto” depict the importance of the power of human relationships through the process of opening one’s heart. These films teach the importance of valuing connections with others and supporting each other in overcoming life’s challenges and trials. People can grow not only individually but also together with those around them, making each other’s lives better. Though we may seem to live alone, we are nurtured by those around us.