not for kids
English-language remake includes extreme violence and sex.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the English-language remake of the Swedish hit from 2009, which like this film, was also based on the best-selling Stieg Larsson novel. Like the previous versions of the story, it has very strong violence, including horrifying rape scenes, torture, and highly disturbing crime scene photos. There's also a mangled dead cat, guns and shooting, blood, and fighting. Sexual content is also strong, including full-frontal female nudity, seduction, and sex scenes. Language isn't constant but is strong ("f--k" and more). Both main characters smoke cigarettes, and the male lead drinks regularly (in a social context). This is a high-profile movie from well-regarded director David Fincher (Fight Club, The Social Network, etc.), but it's not age-appropriate for any but the most mature viewers.
- Families can talk about The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's extreme violence. How much of it is actually necessary to tell this type of story? Would the film have as much impact without it?
- How does the movie portray sex? Are the consequences for the characters' decisions regarding sex realistic? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values relating to sex and relationships.
- Are these characters compelling, despite their questionable behavior? If so, why? Are they heroes? Are they role models?
- How does the English-language version differ from the Swedish version? Did this version need to be made?
The good stuff
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Messages: Despite the fact that both of the main characters are outcasts -- and despite the general abhorrent nature of the story's subject matter and Lisbeth's somewhat destructive behavior -- they do work together to solve problems. There's also a theme of victims finding empowerment against those who've hurt and wronged them.
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Role models: Lisbeth is amazingly smart and resourceful -- and there's no question that she's empowered to take care of herself -- but she's also a social outcast and resorts to questionable (and illegal) behavior when it suits her. Mikael has more social skills but is also an outcast (having been accused of libel) and is having a relationship with a married woman. Lisbeth and Mikael work together well, but neither could really be called a positive role model. Women are frequently victimized.
What to watch for
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Violence: Heavy, brutal violence, some of it in the form of very graphic torture and rape (including anal and oral sex). Very disturbing police photos of graphic crime scenes. Viewers see a dead, mutilated cat. Also fighting, blood, guns and shooting, car crashes, and explosions.
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Sex: Lisbeth is seen completely naked and participating in a fairly graphic consensual sex scene. She also seduces a woman in a club (kissing and touching), and they wake up in bed together. Mikael is said to have had an affair with a married woman, and viewers see them heading for the bedroom in one scene.
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Language: Language isn't constant but includes several uses of "f--k," including three on a T-shirt that Lisbeth wears. Also "s--t," "a--hole," "crap," and "hell."
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Consumerism: Lisbeth is seen with McDonald's Happy Meals more than once and drinking Coca-Cola more than once. She also shops at 7-11 and drinks Nescafe. Viewers see the Google logo/search engine more than once, as well as an Apple computer. Mikael orders Marlboro cigarettes.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Both main characters smoke cigarettes. Mikael seems to drink quite often, and Lisbeth a little less, but almost always in social situations, and hardly ever to excess.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo-2011 by jterrygr
I enjoyed this movie even though I expected I would not. I have read the novel. In fact I've read all 3 of the Stieg Larsson novels. Additionally, I have seen the Swedish film versions of Larsson's trilogy. I was impressed that director David Fincher included more details of the novel which were not contained in the Swedish film. I was particularly amazed at the chemistry between Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist which Mr. Fincher was able to portray in his superb adaptation. I'm a great fan of Daniel Craig. He is (in my opinion) the best James Bond ever. Rooney Mara, however, gives a stunning performance as the troubled Lisbeth Salander and I would love to see her rewarded with a Best Actress nomination. I can see this film receiving nominations for: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress and possibly Best Adapted Screenplay. This film exceeded my expectations and I hope it goes on to greater success both at the box office and during the award madness that will soon be upon us.
5
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by gcaustria
Brilliant and engrossing adaptation of the book. For those of you familiar with the Swedish films, this is not a remake of the 2009 movie. Mostly filmed in Sweden, it feels like a foreign film. I found it beautifully directed, filmed, acted, written, and scored. Rooney Mara is pitch perfect as Lisbeth Salander, as is Daniel Craig's Blomkvist. For a two-hour and forty-eight minute film, it sure went fast. Highly recommend, but not for kids. This film is even more graphic in some ways than the original film. For an American film, that's saying something.
5
If you liked the book..... by texasdevil
...you'll LOVE this movie. Rooney Mara IS Lisbeth Salander! Trent Reznor delivered the perfect score. Fitcher directed my favorite movie of the year!
(That said, movie is only for adults 18 and over! Not for children.)
5
Movie true to book and very exciting by ivystern_ameritech_net
Daniel Craig was believable and compelling as Mikhail Bloomquist; Rooney Mara was riveting. She made that role her own. Sound track and cinemetography (OK, I can't spelll) were wonderful. We've seen, and loved, the Swedish version, and this one held up quite well, better than expected. All in all, an outstanding movie experience.
5
Best Book Movie Yet by sputhemoment
First time ever to see a movie after reading the book that the movie did not disappoint. It is actually a movie that is better for having read the book. It ends , like the book, leaving the viewer needing more, but hey, that is why you read the next book, right? Very well done, I can't really be critical of anything. If anything had been changed, it would have changed the movie version of the authors published work. Looking forward to more.
5
As Good As Expected by North Alabama
I've been waiting what seems like two years for this movie. After starting a little slow at first, it built into a great film. Even with all of the hype, I still managed to enjoy every moment. Great mystery plus a little action, and it even has a plot...who knew! The most intense scenes are not for the faint of heart (turn away if you must), but I would recommend for everyone...a must see for the intense gritty murder mystery lovers this holiday.
4
Long & Dark Great Lizbeth! by Mcspoon2
Thought the movie was a little hard to follow at the start if you have not read the books. Very action packed and you've got to pay attention. Like the books - you'll want to know more!
5
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by RANDIF
The book was fantastic and I was worried that the movie would not do the book justice, but it most definitely did. Enjoyable even if you never read the book. Very graphic, so be prepared. The soundtrack is pretty awesome as well...
Saw the swedish version of the movie and the american version is way better..so much more like the book and the casting was much better..
5
Awesome Movie by jayray97
I've read the books and seen the original Swedish movies. I think this movie is on par with the original movies and stays pretty true to the first book. I'll be looking forward to the 2nd and 3rd movies with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara!
4
A Sleek Girl with The Dragon Tattoo by inactionhero
Fincher's version of The Giirl With the Dragon Tattoo is good, sleek, and different. Interesting what was left in/out and changed from the book. That said, I did not care for the open titles. I thought that Salander's character was weakened overall by the changes, however, a weakened Salander doesn't mean a bad job by Rooney Aara. She was good. Fincher's cast overall was great. Reznor and Ross' soundtrack is great. I felt the film would be greatly lacking without it.
Not surprisingly, this version has a very American/Hollywood style to it as compared to the Swedish version. But I don't think you should see adaptions and constantly compare them to original sources (the book) or other versions (the Swedish film). Enjoy the film when you see it and save the nitpicking for conversation with friends afterward.