My Life as a Dog

Ingemar is a 12-year-old boy living in Sweden with his older brother Erik and their single mother. The boys often test their mother's patience with their adventures and mischief, all while being blissfully unaware of her declining health.

Due to their mother's terminal illness, Ingemar and Erik are sent to live with relatives for her recovery. This decision marks a significant turning point in Ingemar's life, as he is heartbroken to leave behind his beloved dog, which is put in a kennel against his will.

Ingemar arrives in the quaint rural town of Småland to stay with his uncle Gunnar and aunt Ulla. Adjusting to this new environment proves difficult for Ingemar as he has to navigate the complexities of his emotions and the new personalities around him.

While living with his uncle, Ingemar shares special moments listening to a recording of 'Far, jag kan inte få upp min kokosnöt' by Povel Ramel. This music becomes a source of comfort for Ingemar and helps him connect with his uncle despite the changes in his life.

Ingemar encounters Saga, a bold tomboy who shows her interest in him through friendly sparring in the boxing ring. Their playful interactions mark the beginning of a relationship filled with youthful rivalry and affection.

Ingemar befriends Mr. Arvidsson, an elderly neighbor who delights in having him read entertaining segments from a lingerie catalog. This peculiar bond provides Ingemar with a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of his family situation.

After a period of separation, Ingemar and Erik are reunited with their mother. Unfortunately, their joy is fleeting as her health rapidly deteriorates, leading to her eventual hospitalization and deepening the brothers' sense of loss.

With their mother hospitalized, Ingemar and Erik are placed under the care of their uncle Sandberg in the city. Sandberg's wife harbors suspicions about Ingemar's mental well-being, complicating the brothers' already tumultuous emotions.

The brothers experience the crushing grief of losing their mother. This tragedy forces Ingemar back to Småland, where he must confront his memories and the absence of both his mother and his dog.

Upon his return to Småland, Ingemar finds that Mr. Arvidsson has passed away and his uncle's home is now shared with a large Greek family. The new living situation adds to Ingemar's emotional turmoil and feelings of isolation.

Ingemar constantly pesters Gunnar about the fate of his beloved dog. The hope of being reunited with his dog becomes a poignant reflection of his childhood innocence amidst sorrow.

As Ingemar navigates his feelings, tensions arise between him and Saga, along with another girl who is vying for his attention. During an emotional confrontation, Ingemar's grief manifests bizarrely as he clings to Saga's leg and barks like a dog.

Saga callously informs Ingemar that his dog has been euthanized, a revelation that breaks his spirit. This adds yet another layer of grief to Ingemar's already heavy heart following the loss of his mother.

Seeking solace from his overwhelming emotions, Ingemar retreats to Gunnar's summer house. In this isolation, he reflects on his profound sense of loss and contemplates the shifting realities of his life, trying to find comfort in the thought that things could be worse.

The film culminates during the live radio broadcast of the heavyweight boxing match between Ingemar Johansson and Floyd Patterson. The town erupts in celebration as Johansson's victory brings a moment of joy, while Ingemar and Saga find peace together, symbolizing a hopeful future.