Parent reviews for A Man Called Otto

The entire plot of the movie is centered upon 4 separate suicide attempts. Each is long-form, drawn-out, and realistic, with depictions of the initial setup, and imagery of the actual execution. The first attempt involves Otto attempting to hang himself in his living room, the second is him filling his car with carbon monoxide by routing exhaust from his engine, the third is him standing on train tracks, and the last is him attempting to blast his head off with a shotgun. I'm not one to place heavy restrictions on violent content — the blood and gore in most movies is not based in reality. However, the extremely realistic portrayal of suicide is not fitting for most audiences, and is irresponsible to distribute to anyone not yet emotionally mature. For this reason, the film should only be available to those who are over 18 and willing to endure such depictions. Do not see this movie unless you are comfortable with seeing intense and realistic depictions of suicide.

This is a feel good movie about a man suffering from depression after the death of his wife and how he learns to find joy in living again. There are four suicide attempts by him, which could be triggering to those who suffer from mental illness or have an experience with loss or a mentally ill loved one. Please know your children’s emotions and triggers before watching this movie.

As there was no mention of suicide in the previews, we found this movie very distressing, my advise to anyone touched by suicide is, dont watch this movie!

As mentioned, the lead character attempts suicide multiple times. This is the reason for the PG-13 rating. We took our 12 yo to it and explained there would be suicide attempts in the movie, but there is a great message to the story. She was saddened when seeing some of his attempts, but overall, thoroughly enjoyed the movie. The characters are great, and the actors do a wonderful job bringing them to life. So many topics are mentioned in the movie with out being over the top: ageism and aging in America, immigration/living in a new country, coping with physical and mental disability, acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. It shows us that we are all struggling with something, and being there for each other is so much better than going at it alone. There is a reason it was a best selling book, top foreign film in North America, and adapted to an American film.

My husband and I really loved this movie, that said, it's not for kids. This movie centers a lot around suicide and includes detailed imagery about various ways one could end their life if one chooses so. Because of this, I think this movie should generally be for older audiences. There will be some exceptions, of course, there are teens and perhaps pre-teens that will be able to watch this without being influenced by attempting suicide on a bad day, week, month, etc. The story is great, the acting is superb. Left us wishing we had neighbors like Marisol and her family. The swearing is minimum, there are a couple of GD's, lots of smaller, 4 leter ones. No sex but lots of tragedy. Wonderful movie.

Tom Hanks plays a grumpy old man who is suicidal in this sweet movie. Hanks masterfully portrays a man ( Otto) who has so much pain that he wants to die. He has recently been widowed and makes numerous suicide attempts. But unlike the Swedish film, this is a comedy, so they are treated with a light touch, like a Hallmark movie. The soundtrack sometimes becomes mellow, but rare dark, and tell you how to feel. And obviously every suicide attempt is a failure. There’s nothing to hate in this movie. ( I didn’t like some of the woke theology that the movie chooses to preach) But nothing to deeply love either, except the message that we need to care about our neighbors. His neighbor is a charismatic and crazy woman who is boldly trying to be his friend. Marisol (pesky and persistent ) and her charming school age daughters soften his heart. Despite the film’s flaws, this movie’s theme is really what Jesus taught his disciples (and what most other religions also teach). Love your neighbor.

Depictions of suicide attempts are shown, otherwise a wonderful movie about the joy of life and cherishing it.

While certainly dealing with a serious topic, the movie does so with humor in just the right spots. Yes, Otto contemplated and attempted suicide, but ultimately understands he has much more to give and to gain from life. Marisol is perfect in her role (my wife is Hispanic and the similarities are scary). She deserves recognition for her performance. Yes tissues are warranted, but it’s still a feel good movie. The audience had a couple of belly laughs, and they also broke in applause a couple of times. Highly recommend this movie!

I was attracted by the movie trailer and the humour it promoted. But it was extremely surprising when Otto tried to hang himself (the first of the many suicide scenes) while watching this movie with my kids, where I had stop and explain what was happening. Not to mention that the suicide scenes were realistic as well. I would suggest avoid this movie for young kids, teens and especially anyone that has mental/psychological issue. The overally movie plot is okay. But it isn't a family friendly movie by any means. This movie is only for those who are mentally healthy and mature.

Multiple suicide attempts gone wrong?? What kind of message does this send our children. NO WAY!!! BE CAUTIOUS IN ALLOWING THIS.