Better and worse than the English version in different ways

Rating: 8/10 (4 June 2013)

Watched this original Swedish version after watching the 2011 Rooney Mara version. It's not bad considering the budget was a lot less. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and it's interesting to compare them.
Noomi Rapace's portrayal is more like a normal person and less punky than Rooney - she is actually quite sweet, although she is less beautiful than Rooney. Noomi reminds me of Nadal. The actor playing Mikael in the Swedish version is a bit stony looking. Daniel Craig was more charming. The Swedish version couldn't boast the star power of Christoper Plummer and Joely Richardson.
The Swedish version is better in some ways: the crimes are more clearly explained. The English version is a bit rushed and confusing in some crucial plot areas. It was interesting to see Lisbeth's parents which is shown in the Swedish version not the English one.
The English version has better casting, a better score and the Zurich transformation of Lisbeth was one of the best parts of the movie. It was glanced over in the Swedish version.
Overall I liked the English version better. But the Swedish version is about 80% as good.