Let the Right One In

Oskar is a wimpy 12 year old who is mercilessly bullied at school. As a result he spends most of his free time making plans to exact revenge on his tormentors. It is in this world that he befriends his mysterious new neighbor, Eli, who seems to be of his same age. The window you are shown in to Eli's life leaves with you no doubt about her nature. But is her kind and yearning companionship towards Oskar that carries the film. In spite of the good acting, direction and script, the movie left me feeling hollow. Maybe the weight of expectations sunk it...

Rating: * *

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You, the Living

Another one of those many vignettes films that are thrown together with a hope a central theme emerges. Few of the shorts are connected but as a whole they seem disparate as the director strides towards the overarching message which is the banality of human existence. Some of them are funny but with a hint of tragedy. There is a self centered middle aged woman, a disillusioned psychiatrist, an enamored rock star fan and a saxophone player to name a few of the inhabitants of this movie. Some interesting techniques are used where the actors speak directly to the camera like in a documentary as they relate their fears and dreams. As much as one would technically want to rave about this movie, the fact that it does not engage you fully just leaves you with a feeling of despondency. 

Rating: * +

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The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) is recovering from the brutal assault from her father and step brother while awaiting trial for multiple murders and assault. Seeing her helpless and the vultures gathering, Mikael Blomkovist (Michael Nyqvist) mounts a private crusade to bring her justice as he goes about unveiling a conspiracy spanning decades. Like all the three films, this one too has been diluted. However, Daniel Alfredson has tried to maintain a balance that leaves the film very watchable.

Rating: * * *

The Girl Who Played with Fire

The film loosely picks up from where Girl with the Dragon Tattoo left off. Lisbeth Salander is seen vacationing off of her pickings from the Wennerstorm fortune. She has disappeared from the lives of her Swedish friends especially that of Mikael Blomkovist. He is busy setting up his next expose of a sex trafficking ring with help from a young journalist and his girlfriend. When the couple is found murdered and Salander is accused of the killings, Blomkovist is again in the eye of the storm.

Director Daniel Alfredson has liberally cut out swathes from Steig Larson's book. His handling of a certain fight scene which is amazing portrayed in the book lacks any sort of punch. But yet the film makes for a complete and thrilling experience. 

Rating: * * *

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Mikael Blomkovist (Michael Nyqvist) is a respected financial reporter whose name has been dragged in to the mud when he is convicted of slander. Facing time in prison, he takes up a 40 year old case of a missing girl to primarily keep him away from the spotlight. He is soon joined by Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace), a socially awkward but brilliant researcher. The film takes advantage of the beautiful Swedish countryside as you are treated to some lush landscapes. However, that beauty won't save you from the grittiness and depths of human psychopathy embedded in the movies.

Based on Steig Larrson best selling novel, the two words that best describes this film is intrigue and violence. From the start to finish you are leaning forward as plot layers are revealed, while bracing yourself at the graphic violence splashed on the screen. Reading the book before the movie is a boon and a curse. It gives you the much needed background to the characters but takes away from the suspense. Either way, you will be left wanting to watch the next installment.

 

Rating: * * *