Girl Who Played With Fire, The (2009) [Blu-ray]
Action | Mystery | Thriller

Lisbeth Salander is a wanted woman. A researcher and a Millennium journalist about to expose the truth about the sex trade in Sweden are brutally murdered and Salander's prints are on the weapon. Her history of unpredictable and violent behavior makes her an official danger to society. Mikael Bloomkvist, Salander's friend and Millennium's publisher, is alone in his belief of Salander's innocence. Digging deeper, Bloomkvist unearths evidence of implicating highly placed members of Swedish Society-as well as shocking details about Salander's past. He is desperate to get to her before she is cornered-but no one can find her anywhere.

User Comment: MusicaEternal (katorak@hotmail.com) from Wales, 11 April 2010 • This film continues where "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" left off. I have to say that personally, I do not really understand the bad reviews, though I must also admit I have not read the books yet, so I am not comparing it to the book, I am simply viewing it as a film in it's own right, and perhaps my review is therefore more generous than it would be if I had read the book too.

I personally thought this movie was riveting, but for different reasons than the first. Firstly, there is a lot of action in this film, I feel it was done well, and it kept the film exciting. Secondly, the depths into Lisbeth's past were also revealed very well. If you didn't learn that Lisbeth is untimately very sensitive behind her "cold" exterior, you learn it from this film.

Yes, certain scenes could have been better shot, better directed etc, but these are minor drawbacks. I feel this is again a must-see, and a very good bridge to the conclusion of this millennium trilogy.

Summary: A fine sequel.

User Comment: denglidendekop from Denmark, 8 September 2009 • Perspective: I am 25, Danish (thus understanding Swedish) and have not read the books.

"The Girl Who Played with Fire" continues smoothly from were "Men Who Hate Women" left off, and lets you easily connect with the core characters. Salander, Blomkvist and the Millennium crew are as usual exposing the darker sides of society and confronting the perpetrators, while Salander being under pressure from all directions.

Where the cruelty and surprises of its predecessor were essential for making it stand out among thrillers, I find this movie more mainstream in storyline and creativity. Salander has lost some of her mysterious goth charm, and the sex trafficking theme is only touched very softly, turning the movie into a regular investigation with a familiar cast of characters.

The movie is worth watching, but it's my impression that you should rather read the book first, to get a much deeper insight in the great novel.

Summary: Exciting thriller, although unable to keep up with its predecessor.

[CSW] -3- Although her past was better explained she just wasn't as sharp as she was in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It was that savvy research and sharp mind that I liked, so this was a bit of a disappointment. It is definitely worth watching once so rent it.
[V-A] MPEG-4 AVC

º º