Pop Culture Reviews

Distributor: Rialto Distribution Released: 2009 Genre: Drama/Comedy Credits: Director: Niels Arden Oplev Written by: Nikolaj Arcel (screenplay) Rasmus Heisterberg (screenplay) Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling Rating: TBC

Thanks to Rialto Distribution for holding the media screening.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is based on a best-selling novel by Swedish author Stieg Larsson and is quite possibly one of the best indy movies released this year. Its powerful, moving and riveting story is captivating right until the very end. But it’s the acting talent coupled with the strength of fantastic character creation that brings the story of Lisbeth and Mikael to life.

The movie begins with a controversial magazine journalist Mikael Nyqvist who finds himself being accused of libel for bringing dirty dealings of a wealthy business magnate to light. As it turns out, Mikael was set up and sentenced to six months imprisonment as a result. In the meantime, he is being researched and investigated by another party interested in his endeavours who hire elite hacker Lisbeth Salander to dig up everything on him including any proof that he was guilty of the charges. Lisbeth’s investigation comes up clean and she confirms to her client that she thinks he was framed.

The remainder of the story revolves around Lisbeth and Mikael’s relationship after Mikael is approached by the head of the wealthy Vanger family, Henrik Vanger. Henrik Vanger wants to hire Mikael to investigate the disappearance and alleged murder of his grand-daughter, Harriet 40 years earlier. Lisbeth hacks into Mikael’s computer and deciphers an important clue that sets them both on a path that unravels the mystery and horrors hidden behind Harriet’s disappearance.

The movie is non-stop suspense and action, with some graphically violent scenes thrown in for good measure, but entirely necessary. As we see the characters of both Mikael and Lisbeth emerge through their experiences, it becomes very easy to love this movie for its realism and depth.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo just can’t be faulted. The movie’s consistent pace and wonderfully depicted characters are refreshing and entertaining . If you haven’t had the chance to see a good suspense/thriller this year, I highly recommend you look this up.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo releases in New Zealand on the 26th of December.

Check out the trailer: