Men Who Hate Women: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Movie


Men Who Hate Women, is the original title of this novel by Swedish author and journalist Stieg Larsson.The first of three-part series, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the story of Mikael Blomkvist, an investigative journalist forced to take a leave of absence from his job after losing a libel case versus a crooked CEO and billionaire. He is then hired by a retired industrialist, Henrik Vanger, to investigate the disappearance of his 16-year old grand-niece forty years before. He works with the sallow and complex girl, Lisbeth Salander, who, despite her history of being socially incapable, is a brilliant researcher and computer genious.Together, they solved the mystery and unearth the Vanger family's unbelievable dark side.

Call me a fan girl, but that's what I really am. My involvement with the story started the moment I picked up the book (which originally is a gift for my sister-in-law). I finished the book in four days, and went on to devour the second one, The Girl Who Played with Fire. I'm halfway to finish the third installment, so I'm shutting up at this point. :)

The hype caused by the cold and bizarre trailer of the movie, and the powerful cast lead by Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara is justified by the beautiful mystery and fear that decked the halls of the cinemas. The characters are perfect, and it's a treat to see one of the most notable books I've read come to life. The old cottages and the wicked snow storms of Sweden painted the background of the perfect thriller movie, and for that alone, I put Sweden on my bucket list. 

Craig, as expected, performed solid as a Mikael, but Mara is exceptionally brilliant and a revelation. Her lack of expression perfectly suited the troubled Lisbeth. Obviously, fans anticipated the Lisbeth in flesh, and Mara gave her more than justice. She made her tangible, immortal, to the fans. I heard Scarlett Johansson auditioned for this role, but as much as I love her, her curves will kill the character! 

158 minutes is quite long, but I didn't bother to check my watch from start to finish. There were moments when I had to contain myself from the graphics and highly sensitive scenes, which brought back the emotions I originally felt when I read the book. The rape and vengeance scenes are unforgettable and to some, may be too much to see on screen. But if you're a geek like me and read Larsson's inspirations on writing this, you'll understand how he'd come to depict it in such painful details. This film is carefully made and well-thought of, and IMO, one of the best movie adaptations to ever grace us. 

If you read the book, I'm quite sure you'll watch it, if you haven't done so. If not, brace yourself for the deep chill that will cloak you. I've warned you, it's not for the faint-hearted.

PS: Don't ever, ever, ever, try to watch it on DVD. Save yourself some disappointment. It's a must to see this on big screen.


PPS: Not for the kids, not even 17-year old, with or without parents! 




Must. See.

The scene that made me churn a bitter laugh

Now, can someone lend me the Swedish version, pretty please? I'm serious, message me! :)

From the Nook, 
Dang

Comments

  1. loved the movie..but loved the book (all 3 of them!) more!!you should watch the original swedish version of it.in-freiking-tense!x

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  2. loved the movie..but loved the book (all 3 of them!) more!!you should watch the original swedish version of it.in-freiking-tense!x

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  3. I have the Swedish version I haven't watched :P

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  4. @Dulce: Same here, nothing beats the book, but the movie also delivered. :) I promise to watch the Swedish version! :)

    @Tara: Lend me pretty please? Oh btw, did you & Yhel watch na? :)

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  5. been hearing a lot of raves with this book and I plan to read this before the year ends...Yes before the year ends because I still have a long list of books to read. I've been really busy and don't have enough time to squeeze it in my sked :) I hope me and sweets can watch the movie over the weekend. sigh...

    Hugs!♥

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  6. @ChinaDoll: It's a lot better if you've read the book first, but still, it's a good watch this weekend for you and the boyfie! :)

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