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The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 108 min
JustWatch #11,359 11
Directed by
Felix Herngren, Måns Herngren

After enjoying a moment of simple pleasure, a centenarian unexpectedly embarks on a whirlwind journey across the globe. He finds himself pursued by both the CIA and a determined debt collector from Bali. His unexpected travels lead him into the heart of a major soft drink company, where his unique perspective and sharp humor unexpectedly become a key ingredient for corporate success.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (6)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017)

Where can you watch The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix and Netflix Standard: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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6 main characters · contains spoilers

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Allan Karlsson

    Allan is a spry 101-year-old man with a mischievous spirit and a flair for adventure. His past as a double agent shapes his character, revealing layers of cunningness as he navigates a world filled with quirky characters and unexpected plots.

    • 🎩 Cunning
    • 🧓 Elderly
    • 🌍 Adventurer
  • Miriam

    Miriam is a pivotal character whose spirited nature ignites discussions and playful banter. Her determination and resourcefulness highlight her ability to adapt to unexpected situations, making her a steadfast companion to Allan.

    • 💁‍♀️ Spirited
    • ☕ Conversationalist
    • 💖 Loyal
  • Stirna / Kristina

    Stirna, who later reveals her true identity as Kristina, is a complex character driven by vengeance and her father's legacy. Her investigative prowess leads her to Allan, showcasing her bravery and depth amidst the chaotic pursuit.

    • 🔍 Investigator
    • 🎭 Deceptive
    • 💔 Driven
  • Julius

    Julius complements Allan's adventurous spirit with his own curiosity and care for the eccentric man. His loyalty to Allan is tested throughout their expedition, but his adventurous heart consistently leads him into thrilling escapades.

    • 🙌 Loyal
    • ⚓ Dependable
    • 🌍 Explorer
  • Benny

    Benny appears as a worried husband eager to support Miriam and Allan. His loyal character is portrayed through his determination, but he also provides comic relief amid chaotic situations, particularly with his reactions to stress.

    • 🌪️ Anxious
    • ❤️ Supportive
    • 😂 Comedic
  • Bas

    Bas, who is married to Rebecca, is portrayed as a strong presence seeking to resolve the tensions surrounding Allan. His determination provides an intense counterpoint in the narrative as he gets drawn into the unfolding drama.

    • 💪 Strong
    • 🔫 Intense
    • ⚖️ Determined

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:16

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Setting

Where and When Does The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared Take Place?

The setting of The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1970s, Present Day

The story oscillates between the present day and flashbacks to the 1970s, a period marked by cultural revolutions and historical events. This time frame is also pivotal as it highlights Allan's adventures as a double agent, revealing the creation of Folksoda amidst a backdrop of espionage.

Location

Bali, Moscow, Berlin, Malmköping, East Germany

The movie travels through various vibrant locations, including the sun-kissed beaches of Bali, known for its serene beauty and vibrant culture. The bustling streets of Moscow serve as a backdrop for chaos and pursuit, while Berlin is rich with history and modernity, setting the stage for unraveling secrets. Malmköping provides a quaint, small-town charm that contrasts with the grand adventures of the protagonists.

  • 🏖️ Beach
  • 🌆 City
  • 🌍 World

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:16

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3 major themes

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Adventure

    Adventure drives the narrative forward as Allan and his companions embark on a whirlwind journey across cities, seeking a lost recipe. Each twist and turn introduces new challenges and unexpected encounters, showcasing the exuberance of life and the thrill of the chase.

  • Loss and Legacy

    The theme of loss permeates the film, especially with the tragic passing of Håkan and the unresolved past of Stirna, who is revealed to be Kristina. It explores how legacies impact individuals and the lengths people go to reclaim what is lost or to understand their heritage.

  • Celebration

    Celebration is evident throughout the movie, particularly during the joyful gathering to welcome Allan Jr. and the dynamic energy surrounding Allan's 101st birthday. The contrasts between joyous milestones and ensuing chaos offer a comedic take on life’s unpredictability.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:16

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Character & theme questions

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set?

The movie takes place across several global locations including Bali with its serene beaches, Moscow's bustling streets, Berlin's blend of history and modernity, and the small Swedish town of Malmköping. These varied settings create a whirlwind adventure as Allan travels from one exotic location to another.

  • bali
  • moscow
  • berlin
  • malmkoping
  • locations
  • setting
Q2

What time period does the movie cover?

The story takes place in the present day but includes flashbacks to the 1970s, a period marked by cultural revolutions and historical events. These flashbacks reveal Allan's past as a double agent and the creation of the Folksoda formula during the Cold War era.

  • 1970s
  • present day
  • flashbacks
  • time period
  • double agent
  • cold war
Q3

Who is Allan Karlsson?

Allan Karlsson is the 101-year-old protagonist who remains spry and mischievous despite his extraordinary age. His past as a double agent during the Cold War shapes his cunning personality, and he embarks on a global adventure after escaping a nursing home.

  • allan karlsson
  • protagonist
  • centenarian
  • double agent
Q4

Who is Stirna and what is her connection to Allan?

Stirna is revealed to be Kristina, a character driven by vengeance and her father's legacy. Her investigative pursuits lead her to Allan, and she plays a crucial role in uncovering the secrets surrounding the lost Folksoda recipe.

  • stirna
  • kristina
  • revenge
  • investigation
  • legacy
Q5

What is Folksoda and why is it important?

Folksoda is a secret soft drink formula created by Allan during his double agent days in the 1970s. The formula becomes the center of a corporate chase as multiple parties, including the CIA and a major beverage company, seek to obtain it for its commercial value.

  • folksoda
  • formula
  • soft drink
  • corporate
  • secret recipe
Q6

How does adventure drive the movie's story?

Adventure is the central theme as Allan and his companions embark on a whirlwind journey across multiple cities seeking a lost recipe. Each location introduces new challenges and unexpected encounters, showcasing life's exuberance and the thrill of the chase.

  • adventure
  • journey
  • chase
  • travel
Q7

What role does loss and legacy play in the movie?

Loss and legacy permeates the film through the tragic passing of Håkan and the unresolved past of Kristina. The story explores how legacies impact individuals and the lengths people go to reclaim what is lost or understand their heritage.

  • loss
  • legacy
  • heritage
  • family
Q8

What is Malmköping's role in the story?

Malmköping provides a quaint, small-town charm that contrasts with the grand adventures the protagonists experience across the globe. It serves as a home base and represents the ordinary life Allan left behind at age 100.

  • malmkoping
  • sweden
  • small town
  • home
Q9

Why is the CIA chasing Allan?

The CIA becomes involved because of Allan's past as a double agent and his connection to the Folksoda formula created during the 1970s. His knowledge of sensitive historical events makes him a target for intelligence agencies seeking to control or eliminate his secrets.

  • cia
  • intelligence
  • double agent
  • espionage
Q10

What does the movie say about aging and adventure?

The movie celebrates the exuberance of life through Allan'sexample, suggesting that adventure and excitement can continue at any age. Despite being 101 years old, Allan navigates global chases with wit and energy, challenging perceptions of what is possible in later life.

  • aging
  • adventure
  • vitality
  • life
  • senior

Movie threads

More Movies Like The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies like The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared: Quirky Globetrotting Adventures

Whimsical chases that send eccentric characters on unpredictable journeys across the globe. If you enjoyed the whimsical international journey of The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared, you'll like these movies featuring eccentric characters caught in playful, fast-paced chases across the world, blending comedy and lighthearted adventure.

  • quirky
  • playful
  • mischievous
  • whimsical
  • unpredictable
  • globetrotting
  • Tone: whimsical, playful
  • Pacing: fast, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically begin with a simple incident that spirals into a far-reaching, globe-spanning quest. The narrative structure is propelled by a chase, often involving multiple pursuers, leading the protagonist through a series of improbable and humorous encounters in diverse locations.

Why they belong together: These films share a core identity defined by a whimsical tone, fast pacing, and a light emotional touch. They prioritize playful fun over deep drama, creating a cohesive experience of escapist adventure centered on charmingly mischievous characters.

Movies like The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared: Clever Elderly Protagonists

Stories where seniors use their unassuming nature to outsmart everyone in hilarious ways. Fans of the clever centenarian in The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared will enjoy these movies featuring unexpectedly capable seniors who drive the plot with their wit and experience, often in comedic and unconventional scenarios.

  • quirky
  • mischievous
  • unexpected
  • competent
  • elderly
  • playful
  • Tone: whimsical, mischievous
  • Pacing: steady, playful
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern revolves around an older protagonist whose age is their greatest disguise. They become the unlikely central figure in a complicated plot, using their lifelong experience and unflappable demeanor to manipulate events and outwit much younger, more conventional adversaries.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their unique character archetype and the specific comedic tone it creates. The humor stems from the contrast between the protagonist's age and their surprising competence, resulting in a consistently playful and mischievous vibe.

Every angle

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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