Review of 'THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATOO' (2009 - Swedish)

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATOO (2009 - Swedish)

 (According to Wikipedia, the 2011 American version is similar but more faithful to the novel. If anyone has seen both versions, let me know what you think.)

The story starts with MIKAEL BLOMKVIST, a journalist who has just been convicted of slander against a powerful businessman. Mikael is certain he was set up by someone who deliberately gave him false information, but decides not to appeal the conviction. HENRIK VANGER, another businessman, offers to pay Mikael handsomely if Mikael will solve the mystery of how and why Vanger's grandniece, Harriet, disappeared about twenty years ago. Mikael ends up working with LISBETH SALANDER, a brilliant but emotionally scarred woman who has a guardian because of her history of violence. Harriet's old diary has a list of women's names, each with unexplained numbers. Breaking the code leads Mikael and Lisbeth to a series of brutal, never solved murders of young women. The rest of Vanger's relatives object strenuously to the two researchers' work, and a sniper--presumably one of the relatives--even shoots at Mikael when he jogs in the woods. In spite of this, the two continue their work.

No spoilers.

This is a thoughtful, well acted and directed film. The DVD has sub-titles and dubbing, each of which gives a different translation of the Swedish. I recommend the dubbing.

The Swedish title is Män som hatar kvinnor, literally 'Men who hate women.' In spite of the impressive tattoo on Salander's back, the Swedish title is more appropriate.  There is a prolonged, explicit and brutal rape scene. It's followed shortly afterwards by an equally brutal and highly satisfying revenge scene which, for me, redeemed the movie.

Lisbeth has a little of the superhero about her. Her abilities to hack information, her initiative and guts, and her knack for showing up at just the right time make for predictability, though not enough to spoil the movie.

There's a 20 minute segment near the end that's slow. Otherwise, the movie is high paced and stimulating. I give it ++++ - it will get your pulse up to a run.