THE GIRL WIITH THE DRAGON TATTOO 3.5***
This is a Swedish film and thus has subtitles but don’t let that keep you away. This is an extra fine whodunit thriller about the disappearance of a 16 year old girl 40 years ago, and the genius of the movie is how the 2 investigators go about trying to solve such an old puzzle. It is based on the first book in Stieg Larsson's crime trilogy with the main characters journalist Mikael Blomkvist and outcast computer hacker Lisbeth Salander Fans of the book will NOT be disappointed…I can say so because I read the excellent book.. A Two hours and 32 minute running time allows time for great depth and detail which makes the whodunit even more fascinating. Even at this length some subplot lines have been left out but fortunately they made the right choices. It does not hurt the overall feel of the movie and, in fact, helps to sharpen the focus on the mystery
. An aging corporate executive, Henrik Vanger, employs Blomkvist to solve the puzzle of his missing niece. .. a girl who mysteriously disappeared 40 years earlier. It has become an obsession to this man to shed some light on his missing niece's fate, and he is desperate to have closure before it's his own time to pass. Acclaimed investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist is hired for his researching skills. Eventually Blomkvist teams up with secluded computer hacker Lisbeth Salander. Their investigation unfolds a complex set of clues leading to a string of morbid sadistic murders spanning decades. Pieces of the puzzle slowly start falling into place, as inevitable confrontation with the hidden villain draws closer. Alongside this main plot line, both of our main characters have to deal with personal problems that help us understand their characters.
The two leads are both compelling but Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth is absolutely spellbinding. She has the perfect combination of toughness and vulnerability with a hint of possible psychopathy. You simply cannot take your eyes off her when she’s on the screen. This 90 pound female whirlwind of a woman is depicted as being somewhat craftier, stronger and more energetic than her male counterpart. This does not however diminish Blomkvists character a bit as he is the perfect contrast to her…steady, congenial, wise and much the gentleman. Having a female heroine such as Lisbeth is a welcome twist to the classic detective genre.
The violence in the film is often jarring and difficult to watch but there is nothing ingenuine or pornographic about it. The violence perpetrated against the various characters is as real as you can get it, especially a rape scene that is graphically violent but not sexually graphic and the film is more the powerful as a result.
Overall, this is an excellent film that will capture your attention right off and carry you spellbound to the amazingly exciting ending.

Clark