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This film was very well-made with superb cinematography. The actors allportray their respective characters perfectly, although Noomi Rapace asLisbeth Salander, Michael Nyqvist as Michael Blomkvist and Sven-BertilTaube as Hanrik Vanger deserve a special mentioning. They are all verylikable and believable.
The films story is very exciting and puzzling (for those that haven'tread the book) and the pace is steady with some really tensesituations. The investigation part of the story is excellent. Althoughit is 2.5 hours long it is never boring.
The soundtrack was also very fitting and helped to set the mood of thefilm. This is far above any other Scandinavian thriller production, andI look forward to the rest of the films/series.
I recommend it to anyone!
I went to see this film having heard nothing about it at all andanother film I wanted to see wasn't on the Sunday matinée bill...so,this looked interesting...best 5 Euros I've spent in a long time. Very,very good thriller but NOT FOR CHILDREN and I was genuinely surprisedhow much I enjoyed it - well filmed and well acted by the mainprotagonists; I know nothing of Swedish actors but apparently MichaelNyqvist is well known and I thought Noomi Rapace was brilliant (ayoung, headstrong, tattooed and "talented" computer hacker LisbethSalander with a traumatized past) I thought the film was superblydirected (Niels Arden Oplev); I am already looking forward to thesecond film later this year AND I will go and buy the books...
The music lends a threatening aspect to the opening scene, where we inslow close ups – on and off deliberately out of focus – get to followthe opening of a package. Inside the package, post marked in Hong Kong,is a framed plant. The camera starts to move backwards, taking in moreof the room and revealing Sven-Bertil Taube as the opener of thepackage. He holds the frame in his hands, lowers his head and slowlystarts to cry.
Niels Arden Oplevs Män som hatar kvinnor is based on the first of StiegLarssons three bestselling novels, meaning of course that it isbasically guaranteed large box office numbers – but the expectationswill probably match those numbers. Weather the film manages to live upto these expectations I cannot say – seeing as I am one of the probablyonly eight people who has not read Stieg Larssons books. But as a pieceof cinema, completely removed from its literary origins, it definitelyleaves an impression!
The music mentioned above, written by Peter Fuchs, is the first thingto register in the mind as something interesting… Something that makeeverything feel very serious. The impending-doom-score composed byHoward Shore, for David Finchers Se7en, springs to mind – and this onlya few seconds into the film.
The cold, hard, uncomfortable reality – where the movie takes place –is populated by a highly recognizable legion of people straight out ofSwedens acting elite… (Gösta Bredenfeldt, Lena Endre, Ewa Fröling,Björn Granath, Peter Haber och Marika Lagerkrantz to mention a few)…and they all seem to have been so thrilled to be a part of thisproject that they almost as one has taken their characters a step back,allowing the spotlight to be shone on the two main characters, who alsoget to drive the story forward; the reporter Mikael Blomkvist (MikaelNyqvist), who is digging through a 40 year old murder case involving awell known corporation family with Nazi connections, and the 24 yearold computer hacker EMO Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) that every dayhacks Blomkvists hard drive, captivated by the puzzling evidence (orlack thereof).
Nyqvist gets the job done playing what is basically the lesser of thetwo parts. You instinctively feel sympathy for him, and sympathizeswith him – even in his very first scene, in which his character isconvicted of slander, and sentenced to prison.
But when the lights come back on in the theatre, and you gather up yourhalf eaten box of popcorn and your coat, it's not Mikael Nyqvistsunderstated but persistent reporter you will remember most…it's NoomiRapaces leather-and-stud clad, tattooed, pierced, heavy makeup wearingbiker chick, Lisbeth Salander.
Weighted by old wrongdoings as well as new ones, Lisbeth is covered inemotional scars, making her a very interesting character – that easilycould have been a silly rehash, a Gunvald Larsson in leather. But NoomiRapace bases Lisbeth in real emotions rather than clichés and hammyover acting. You can tell that there is a real person behind thatsteely gazed, unyielding face, something that make those parts of themovie, where we get to come with her through what must be some ofSwedish cinemas most horrendous scenes, feel that much more awful. Youalmost can't help looking away, as she is abused over and over again…
The relationship between Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander is theonly part where I felt the movie rushed things just a tad. But this isonly a mild piece of criticism, as the lack of insight leaves theaudience feeling that they, just like the character Mikael Blomkvist,don't know what to make of Lisbeht Salander.
Besides the two leads, I want to single out Peter Haber, who really gotto show off his skills! He is obviously good for more than just playingthe silly father of Sune or the annoyingly correct police Martin Beck.
I have, like I mentioned earlier, not read the novels by Stieg Larsson,and I have an automatic aversion towards Swedish cinema; which Iusually find stiff, with acting taken straight out of the latestgrocery store commercials. In other words, Swedish film has its workcut out trying to sell me anything. But, and I am not ashamed to admitthis, I'm gonna go ahead and BUY!!!
In the narrow little world that is Swedish cinema there is a lot thatone could – or even should – avoid. But this movie is not something tobe ignored! So leave the kids at home (this is NOT a very pleasantfilm) and head for your nearest multiplex to take in of the mostthrilling Swedish films in a very long time!
I am among, I guess, those very few people in Europe who have not readthe best-selling novel by Stieg Larsson, but, not feeling in the moodto see another too emotionally engaging romance or drama, although itsbeing my favourite genre, I went to see what is depicted by Larsson'sfans as a captivating and gripping thriller.
Indeed, I can't say whether the movie proves adherence to the novel,which is something by the way difficult, considering the length of thebook, however, I can say that the product is a well-crafted piece ofcinema, which leaves also interesting food for thought. Used as we are,as southern Europeans, to see at Northern, and mainly Scandinaviancountries, as models of democracy, economic progress and socialwelfare, it's quite surprising to see a modern Sweden stained bycorruption and unscrupulous tycoons. Moreover, it is quite upsetting toget to know how Nazi extremist and insane ideas were rooted not so muchin the history of the country, but in the conscience of people, in thiscase of a powerful and wealthy family, where the hatred towards theJews has mixed with the hatred towards women, turning the lives ofwhole generations into a hell of ferocious violence and horror.
As far as the thriller story, it's engaging, but carried on verycarefully, every aspect being under control, with flashbacks constantlyreassuring us about aspects we have already perceived, without moving alittle apart from a well consolidated stylistic model of this kind ofmovie genre. Sometimes a little slow, sometimes too indulging inviolent scenes, but with a strong directing consciousness supportingit. Convincing and really good the performances offered by the wholecast, unknown to the great public, but I would underline the actressplaying Lisbeth as really outstanding and upsetting in her mental andemotional distress. On the whole, it's not a masterpiece, but a goodand well made movie.
Awesome Swedish film with a intelligent story. a journalist and atroubled young female hacker works together on resolving a 40 year oldmystery involving a disappearance, murders, Nazis and one hell of adysfunctional family. the storytelling by the director was great andcaptured my attention for almost 2,5 hours. the character buildup isthorough and makes a solid foundation for the rest of the film. inaddition the characters are straightened by a superb cast played byMichael Nyqvist and especially Noomi Rapace. Camera work and theoverall look of the film is astounding, especially on bluray. the movietakes you to it's locations and doesn't let go until the story iscomplete. a must see for those who likes an intriguing edge of yourseat thriller.
An intrigue fueled slow building thriller, "The Girl With The DragonTattoo" is a refreshingly different take on the "whodunit" crime genre.This Swedish movie has loads of great cinematography, taking advantageof the beautiful Swedish country side as well as framing the eeriestory. The principal characterizations are quite well suited by thecast who fit naturally in the roles they play with great realism. LikeI have already noted this is a much different presentation as comparedwith American filmed crime thrillers. Even though this obviously has awell-funded budget it is grittier and less commercialized thus lendinga realism over glossiness. The music score also adds quite a bit ofominous darkness.
I guess if you want to be overly critical you could punch a hole or twohere or there, but I think this story comes off so most all viewerswill ignore any inconsistencies in favor of the mysterious pieceswhich, eventually, add up, but not too fast – keeping the viewerinvested and hoping to figure out how it may all end.
Though graphic at times, it isn't "porn-horror", "The Girl With TheDragon Tattoo" is a dark story where the unsettling pieces fit. I amfairly certain it will not be released in the US, but if you can see itdo so as it is a well crafted and executed drama.
I saw this movie in Sydney, Australia and it was really great. A reallygood thriller!. I have read all three of the books and wondered how themovie would be. The theatre was packed and it was in subtitles but youcould hear a pin drop. We were all glued to the screen. Once it getsgoing your are hooked! At the end everyone clapped. Some of the scenesare graphic and violent but if you have read the book you already knowthis. However, even though I had to "read" the movie I cant wait forthe next one. At least I hope they are making a movie for book 2 and 3I would not take my 14yr old to this but it is something I would seeagain. Highly recommend!
While I haven't read the books/novels, I enjoyed the movie very much.Even if it's only part 1 of the trilogy, it still feels like a moviethat has a beginning and an ending. I can't say how that works in thebooks, but the translation to the screen seems really good (voting hereunderlines that).
While thrillers are mostly considered TV material and this one mightborderline on that fine edge, it still deserves to be seen on the bigscreen. The actors (mostly unrecognizable to the worldwide audience)are really good. The editing and pacing is great and it's really agreat suspense movie. A little thriller that dares to go to darkplaces.
"Män som hatar Kvinnor" is a whodunit thriller revolving around sadismtowards women. It is based on the first book in Stieg Larsson's crimetrilogy with the main characters journalist Mikael Blomkvist andoutcast hacker Lisbeth Salander. For the record, this trilogy has hadrave reviews and been among the best selling books in Scandinavia.
An aging corporate executive, Henrik Vanger, employs Blomkvist to solvethe puzzle of his missing niece - A girl who mysteriously disappeared40 years earlier. It has become an obsession to this man to shed somelight on his missing niece's fate, and he is desperate to have closurebefore it's his own time to pass. Over the years 82 year old HenrikVanger has been gathering a substantial amount of hints and clues, buthe was never able to put the pieces together. Acclaimed journalistMikael Blomkvist is hired for his researching skills, following athorough background check. Blomkvist's recent committal order doesn'tdiscourage Vanger. He shows no interest for compromise in getting theright man for the job.
Eventually Blomkvist teams up with secluded computer hacker LisbethSalander. Their investigation unfolds a complex set of clues leading toa string of morbid sadistic murders spanning decades. Pieces of thepuzzle slowly start falling into place, as inevitable confrontationwith the hidden villain draws closer. Alongside this main plot line,both of our main characters have to deal with personal problems thatact as obstacles for the main chase and help us understand our maincharacters.
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When I read "Män som hatar kvinnor" a few years back, I told myfriends: "This would make a great movie". It sure does. "Män som hatarkvinnor" is an ambitious project. Casting (character and locationalike), adapting the book to script and production seem to set newstandards for Scandinavian movie making. It has an international feeland does the book great justice. Key scenes from the book areflawlessly executed and the characters are captured very convincingly.Fans of the book shouldn't be disappointed. Almost three hours runningtime allows great depth and detail, but even at this length some plotlines have been left out. This does not hurt the overall feel though.It is still a coherent movie focusing on the main plot line. Avid fanscan turn to the text version for further explanations, and still beintrigued.
The Lisbeth Salander character is an inventive take on a heroine. Sheis a believable and obvious contrast to the sadistic, women degradingevildoers. This 90 pound female hacker is depicted as being thecraftier, stronger and more energetic of our heroic duo. This doeshowever hurt Blomkvists character a bit, leaving him seemingly not toobright and kind of helpless. I DO like a female heroine though, whichis a welcome twist to the classic detective genre. The novels giveBlomkvist a bit more room to shine on his own, which is the only thingI'm missing in the movie.
Great performances all around. Most reviews will obviously comment onNoomi Rapaces outstanding performance as Lisbeth Salander and put heron a well deserved pedestal. I'm going to point the attention toSven-Bertil Taube (Henrik Vanger) and Peter Haber (Martin Vanger) whoboth do great jobs as supporting actors.
My low regards for Swedish film industry aside, this is a really wellcrafted movie. Director Oplev apparently knows the ropes enough to makethe Swedish crew seem plausible. The old school with SB Taube andHirdwall usually deliver good characters, and Nyqvist as well. Theyounger talent strikes me as a bit more stiff usually and deliverdialogs as they read directly from the script. Not here. The only onethat I find off, is actually Lena Endre. Not that she is bad, but sheis just as we always see her. Music-wise, a big step in the rightdirection. I think of Howard Shore scores from Seven and Silence of thelambs. Too bad that the movie sound, the dialog in particular, doesn'thold the same standard. Also, not to give anything away, in the finalscenes- bear in mind Bourne Ultimatum last scenes, and Silence of thelambs final. In short, hats of to this magnificent film. This is theproof that you don't necessarily make a good flick just on milliondollar budgets as in Arn(lame), but with the right talent. In this caseI salute director Oplev.
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