Most Engaging

Rating: 10/10 (20 August 2010)

Mikael Blomkvist (Nyqvist) a convicted (of Libel) financial journalist is hired to find out what happened to Harriet Vanger (Froling) 40-yrs ago. Harriet disappeared and there has been no trace of her since. Computer hacker Lisbeth (Rapace) hacks into Mikael's computer and provides clues to help solve the mystery. Mikael has 6-months before he goes to jail
I know Hollywood is about to do the American remake of this film, but if you want to see a really engaging and well done story by actors who deserve Oscars, then go get this one. There are sub-titles, but they are short and not at all distracting. However, of course, if you know the Swedish language then the sub-titles would probably be a distraction.
This is probably the most engaging mystery thriller I have seen since The Ghost Writer. And, as you may have heard, the book and the movie are an international hit. We are talking 2.5-hrs long and you wish it were longer. When the Hollywood version comes out you can see it again and compare.
Both leads are terrific, but you cannot take your eyes off a very pretty Noomi Rapace when she is on the screen, and I do hope her tattoos are washable. She steals the show. She is one of those actresses who can say a lot with her eyes as well as her actions.
The cinematography is excellent. Good lingering shots of some really beautiful landscapes and I must mention a terrific shot of a big, beautiful, curvy, white bridge when Mikael and Lisbeth take a ride to investigate more clues. It's beautiful but scary (well, for me anyway). You'll see if you do the Swedish version.
What was also enjoyable was that the music, while excellent, didn't rush the action on the screen. The dialogues were somewhat understated and this gave them more credence, honesty and power. Even though the actors spoke Swedish, you could feel the impact of the dialogues. Simply great.
There is some sex stuff. Lisbeth is forced to orally service her guardian, there is a rape scene, and another sex scene.
Overall, a very engaging mystery and you don't want it to end because you really like Mikael and Lisbeth, especially Lisbeth. Now, I can't wait for the Hollywood remake. How good is that?
Violence: Yes. Sex: Yes. Nudity: Yes. Language: Yes, in sub-titles