The Girl Who Played with Fire

aka "Flickan som lekte med elden" - Sweden

Released July 9, 2010
Directed by Daniel Alfredson
Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Peter Andersson

First viewing July 9, 2010
Jolly: 3.5/5 stars

The second in the movie series based on the books by Stieg Larsson, The Girl Who Played with Fire is a decent sequel. The appeal is in knowing how the story continues, but as a standalone movie it does not deliver the same satisfaction as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

In this installment, Lisbeth Salander (Rapace) is framed for multiple murders that somehow connect to a sex-trafficking story that Mikael Blomkvist (Nyqvist) was about to publish in Millennium magazine. Through his past experience, Blomkvist knows that Lisbeth is innocent and tries to prove her innocence to police by investigating the murders himself. Lisbeth goes on the run, also trying to follow clues that would clear her name.

The chemistry between Rapace and Nyqvist is mesmerizing, and I think it is a shame that their characters are kept apart in this film. There is more character development and back-story revealed, but most satisfying is that even though they are apart, Lisbeth begins to understand and appreciate Blomkvist as her friend.

This movie has way more grit to get through before the action and suspense kicks in, but does deliver some serious thrills. There is definitely a “to be continued” feel when the credits role – an enticement to watch the next movie I suppose…but I want to know what happens now!

Overall, this is a must-see for fans of the series, but otherwise would not recommend this movie for a Saturday matinee (unless you’re in the mood for a Swedish gritty suspense thriller, in which case fill your boots).