These men really hate women

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo/Men who hate women
(Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace)

Based on the first novel of Stieg Larsson's Millenium trilogy, this Swedish title is an intense film to watch, packed to the brim with confronting sexual violence.

The story follows gothic, hacker Lisbeth Salander and disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist as they unravel a decades old mystery concerning a missing teen.

In spite of its two and a half hour running time, the film never feels sluggish. There are plently of red herrings and intrigue to keep you glued to the screen. Which at times you wish it wouldn't, as there are some rather graphic scenes.

!!SPOILER ALERT!!
One particular scene of note is the brutal raping of Lisbeth at the hands of her parole officer. This is followed by her equally brutal act of venegence which culminates with her tattooing her attacker with the words "I am a rapist and sadist pig". It's a haunting scene that stays with you long after the film ends.
!!SPOILER END!!

Much of the film does stay uncomfortably with you, thanks to the brillant performances of the two leads and the shocking content. The film also neatly poses Larsson's core debate of upbringing versus personal responsibility in shaping a persons action. So although the masses is likely to ignore it, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a thought provoking piece of foreign cinema.

As I mentioned earlier, this is the first of three novels. The subsquent Girl who Played with Fire and Girl who kicked the Hornet's nest are already produced, so it will be interesting to see the follow up.

4 out of 5 carrots

•Just Jd•