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Starring |
Michael Nyqvist
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Noomi Rapace
,
Lena Endre
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Directed By |
Niels Arden Oplev
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Audio
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Dolby Digital 5.1
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Visuals
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16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen
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Running Time |
152 mins
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UK Release Date |
July 19, 2010
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Genre |
Drama, Thriller
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Our Rating |
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User Rating |
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After losing a high publicity libel case, crusading journalist and writer for the acclaimed Millennium magazine, Mikael Blomkvist, is confronted with both a jail sentence and an intriguing business proposition. He is approached by elderly business tycoon Henrik Vanger who wants him to investigate the disappearance of his sixteen year old granddaughter who vanished a full 40 years before. But what chance does Blomkvist have of solving an apparent crime perpetrated in the 60s? Is one of Vanger’s own slightly sinister family responsible, as the old man himself suspects? And what is the role of the girl with the dragon tattoo herself, ultra-streetwise computer hacker Lisbeth Salander?
Chances are you’re already familiar with this set up, as the first of the late Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s phenomenally successful Millennium trilogy has been crowding out the upper end of the book sale charts for months on end now. With the book’s sequels (not to mention a US remake) still to follow, the good news is that Danish director Niels Arden Oplev has delivered a near perfect adaptation to the screen.
Part of the success is in the casting. Although not an actually an obvious choice (as revealed by the English language interview included here amongst the extras), Noomi Rapace is perfect as the sexy, insecure Salander – potentially a 21st century answer to James Bond – while Michael Nyqvist is excellent as Blomkvist. While largely faithful to the book, the film if anything slightly improves upon a novel which, to be honest, takes a while to get going.
The highlight amongst the extras is probably a five minute clip from the sequel, The Girl Who Played With Fire, although the English language interviews with Rapace and the producer are good value too. So see it now, before the Daniel Craig starring remake comes out. As this is undoubtedly one of the classiest thrillers of the year.
Overall Verdict: With the success of this, Wallander and Let The Right One in, it’s easy to see why Sweden’s so hot right now.
Special Features:
Interview With Actress Noomi Rapace
Interview With Producer Soren Staermore
UK Theatrical Trailer
Sneak Peek At The Girl Who Played With Fire Film
Photo Gallery
Vanger Family Tree
Did You Know? Trivia
Reviewer: Chris Hallam
