Jenn Reviews Things

Lisbeth Salander, the most complex female character in film in a very, very long time.   Mikael Blomkvist, an ambitious journalist for a monthly magazine called Millenium.   The Vanger family.    None of these people have much in common, but it all comes together brilliantly in the film.

Background of the movie.  Mikael Blomkvist had just been on trial for libel in the Wennerstrom Affair.    After he is sentenced to three months in jail, he resigns from Millenium.   During the time between his sentencing and serving his time, an eccentric old man, Mr. Vanger, hires Mikael to do some research on a long stale case, involving the disappearance of Mr. Vanger’s niece, Harriet.   It is believed that she is dead, and the murderer is never found.   Mikael’s job is to solve the murder.

Meanwhile, Lisbeth, is a 24 year old woman, who as a child underwent severe trauma and was deemed mentally unstable and hospitalized.   Lisbeth has trouble relating to and trusting people, and is considered an outcast of society.   While she has been released from the facility, she continues to be under guardianship.  Currently working freelance as a professional computer hacker, she lives independently, and has made a few friends.  Things change for Lisbeth when her guardian falls ill,  and is assigned a new guardian, who withholds her money and takes advantage of his position.

Lisbeth had formerly conducted some research on Mikael Blomkvist and continued to have an interest in the man.  She finds him out at the Vanger complex and helps him to solve (or not) the murder/disappearance of Harriet Vanger.
Of course, there are villians a plenty in the movie, and plenty of suspense.  The movie is over two hours long, but it just flies by keeping you in suspense.  You root for this unlikely pair of heroes.  Lisbeth is not a very likable person, but you like her and root for her none the less.

The movie is not upbeat or uplifting.  It doesn’t provide a message to society.  It’s dark.  It’s intense.  The time flies by however, as you are held riveted to the screen at every possible moment.

Currently, the movie is no longer playing in theaters, but is available to rent.   Renters have the choice of watching it subtitled or dubbed.  Your choice.  Doesn’t matter.  Just see it.

For those of you who have read the book but have not seen the movie, shame on you!  Seriously.  :)   The book does simplify the storyline, but it will not bother you.

For those of you who have NOT read the book, you will still enjoy this movie.  And if you are a reader, I recommend you read the book.  It will add so much to the movie.  Read it first or second, it doesn’t matter.

This is the RARE movie that adapts a book and keeps it just as good as the book is.

VERDICT:  See this movie NOW!

*I will not be reviewing the books that that this movie and the subsequent movies are based on, due to the time lapse since I have read the books and my beginning this blog.  I can only say … read them all!  And read them soon.  You will not be disappointed!