I have not seen the American version yet, just the 1st Swedish one and I thought it was great. No movie will ever depict the events of a book. But was bothered me the most of the 1st movie is that Micke told Frode that his computer was hacked when he met him at the hospital, and attorney assumed it came from Sal. His daughter was the one who came up with the bible scriptures, then his mind started rolling..Sal never send via email the info, and when they met he confronted her at apt. Converstation was rediculous. That’s insane since no one in all books knew she was a hacker except Micke, Berger, and her Wasp buddies

Posted by Wen ,

Yeah, That’s what I hate about book based movies. They tend to either skip information or change them.

Posted by Nicolette in Tri-State Area ,

I read the first book, then saw the American film version, then the Swedish. I thought that both films were very well done, though am puzzled why the Craig-Mara version left out Australia. (For that matter, why the Swedish filmmakers left out the cat.)

Two small points: I thought that the mechanism with which Blomquist (I know that’s misspelled, but can’t think of the proper spelling at the moment) was almost killed was better done in the Swedish version; in the American film, it was too automated – something about the villain actually CRANKING the thing made it oh so much creepier.

The other thing is that I thought Noomi Rapace was made up to be TOO attractive; she also didn’t put out nearly the hostile, anti-social vibe that Rooney Mara did. Rapace was very good, of course – I just think Mara was more convincing and scarey.

Posted by godwulfAZ in Scottsdale, Arizona ,

Swedish. I agree that movies rarely live up to the books they are based on. But eventhough the American version had kept to the book more, the Swedish trilogy was just way more captivating and effective, especially in bringing out Lisbeth’s character. This is just my opinion.

Posted by polapoi in chicago ,

As usual, hollywood overproduces their film. The Swedish version stayed truer to the books.

Posted by finman50 in Abington, pa ,

I saw both American Version and Swedish version and I Think the American movie reflects the core of the book.

Posted by Ximena in Colombia ,

I saw both, and I can say I liked the American version more. It just had more info, and a little tiny bit of humor. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED the Swedish version. I will say that I can’t wait to see Promethius just for Noomi Rapace. She was the best part of Sherlock Holmes 2.

Posted by Gagarocket in No stalkerville ,

I saw both and I loved them all. But the American version was better. I didn’t see the chemistry between Lisbeth/Mikael in the Swedish version. They seemed forced. Noomi was good and look like a boy but she seemed to sturdy and not as fraigle as in the book. The book conveys that Lisbeth is someone people think they can take advantage of but they will ruin their day if they do so. Noomi looked like she could take care of herself too much!

Posted by sonya in new britain ,

Noomi looked to old to play Lisbeth. I liked Rooney better. I only saw the Girl Who Played with Fire (Swedish version) and we let the DVD play it in English. There was no soundtrack, the voices were stilted, there was no emotion to it at all. It looked like an art school experiment. Perhaps it would have been different in Swedish with English subtitles.

Posted by jg in detroit ,

I saw the Swedish version twice. There is no doubt that it´s better to American version! More details coinciding with books.

Posted by monika in prague ,

Wow. I guess it’s hip to be an American who bashes Americans. It reminds me of liberal apologists who claim to be and endlessly announce that they are, “so sorry” their ancestors visited atrocities on someone else’s ancestors and then slink home in their mini-vans to their lap tops and internet. They are the “Americans” who claim that all Hollywood produces are bang-bang, shoot ‘em up then “f” ‘em in the end movies that are completely out of touch with the society it documents. There’s no way that an American film maker can sensitively handle Lisbeth’s tender story, right? Puhleeeeeze. I am far from embracing conservative dogma and forgive me, but dang it I’m tired politically correct rhetoric (and it is rhetoric) founded in “whip me, whip me please! I’m an awful, greedy American!” nonsense. Iknow this isn’t a political forum here, but dude, knock it off. There is absolutely nothing wrong with those mini-vans and laptops.

Posted by Nancy K. in Proud to be an American ,

I’m sorry guys. I just re-read my thread and realize that I’m a bit rabid on the subject of the “icky” American. my face turned increasingly red when I realized there was only one comment that could in anyway be construed as a shot at American film makers, and even that was hardly painful. Oh well, write it off to menopause.

Posted by Nancy K. in 52 and flaming!!! ,

Er…can’t I like them both?

I think if I had to pick it would be the American one, but I really don’t think the Swedish film was significantly better or worse – just different.

Posted by Rachael in Toronto ,

Usually, I tend to prefer original films to any sort of remake, but I must say I preferred the American one here.

Right after I’d read the book, I watched the Swedish film and was actually surprised that it seemed to to lack some kind of depth. Don’t get me wrong, the acting was strong, and I could definitely appreciate the fact that everything (spoken language / setting / etc.)–like the book–was so wholly Swedish. But for me, the mystery element of the plot was incredibly rushed, and I couldn’t help thinking that if I hadn’t read it first, I would’ve been so lost as to who Martin Vanger even was. There was no real development of any of these “suspect” characters, so, for me, there wasn’t much of a shock in Blomkvist finding Martin out.

Also, though Noomi is a fantastic actress, her take on Lisbeth was much more goth / “badass” than I’d ever imagined the character to be. Rooney really captured more of the Aspergers vibe, and when she turned around and got her revenge on Bjurman, it had more of a startling effect, for me.

Plus, I think the American ending–in being closer to the book–showed more emotional depth on Lisbeth’s part as she hit the bitter realization that Blomkvist still had feelings for Berger. Because this whole moment was omitted from the Swedish one, if I hadn’t read the book, I probably wouldn’t have even known why Lisbeth was annoyed with Blomkvist by the second Swedish film.

But, anyway, that’s just me. Both of the movies definitely have their own strengths and weaknesses, and I’m glad to have seen two different takes on the same amazing story! =]

Posted by Elle in Upstate NY ,

this latest post has it right. both versions are good–picking favorite would be tough. but while Noomi was the best part of swedes ver….The Fincher ver. was just more all around polished and ultimately more interesting. Both “Girls” are mesmerizing -just different. Viva la difference! 2 flavors can still taste great without comparisons. Rooney & Noomi are best strong female roles I’ve seen in ANY thriller-gotta love it!

Posted by frankjb in st.louis,MO ,

There is nothing to compare. If one have been watching Swedish version than going for “made in USA” is loosing time. Unless someone likes (like me) watching Rooney Mara. She is the one who saves the show…

Posted by caesar in Lódz ,