AllMovie

Although dealing with death and loss are the central themes in this Swedish film, it's tone is light and upbeat. The lead actor, Sven Lindberg, won a Swedish Oscar for this film. When irascible Ragnar Persson bid good-bye to his wife Ellen as she departed for an Italian holiday, he did not expect that it would be for the last time. But she died on the trip, and all he has left of her are her ashes which he pours into a bright yellow vase. Despite his loss, Ragnar decides to go on their annual trip to their summer cottage. He asks his son Mikael to come too. Mikael has changed since Ragnar last saw him. Now he has become Mick Pierson, an aging rock-star who travels around in a garish bus with a young groupie, Catty. Together the threesome travel to the cabin encountering many mishaps and adventures along the way.