[Folsom]

They are both crazy similar. Given the time between watching both, I can't even remember the differences. So I'd guess both are like the book, or neither are.

[ajzepp]

Just finished watching the third and final film. I had only planned to watch the first half now and finish tonight, but I couldn't help it. Another great installment, and conclusion, to the story. I had one minor quibble with regard to a small plot point, but nothing that detracted from my enjoyment. Overall, nine total hours of supreme entertainment...I'm really sad that it's over.

If I had to choose a favorite, I would pick part II - "The Girl Who Played With Fire". I thought it was absolutely riveting and incredibly entertaining. Part 3 was very well orchestrated, as the story really blew up and expanded into many related directions. I'm bummed to see that IMDB doesn't really have any updates in terms of whether parts 2 and 3 will be remade in Hollywood, but I'm holding out hope that they will. It would be great to revisit these characters with other actors bringing them to life, just as with the remake of part 1.

It's one of those odd, rare situations where the trilogy itself was very satisfying, but at the same time I still want to see further stories involving these characters. I rarely re-watch anything a second time anymore, but I could easily see myself re-watching this trilogy.

[Don_S]

I also adapt to subtitles quickly (when I have to). In these movies I do not think the characters were stripped of authenticity by dubbing. If anything dubbing added emotion and flushed out the characters. Not necessarily equally for each character but I had no issues with dubbing.

That's how I feel, as well. Dubbing strips the actors/characters of a portion of their authenticity, IMO. I typically adjust to subtitles within the first ten mins, at most.

[Don_S]

Both are like the book to a large degree but a lot was left out. I do not think anything extraneous was added but there were entire segments eliminated.

The storyline  I am thinking of was at the beginning of book two if I remember correctly. It was eliminated in the foreign version. It was not germane to the plot but it did lend itself to character development.

They are both crazy similar. Given the time between watching both, I can't even remember the differences. So I'd guess both are like the book, or neither are.

[ajzepp]

I also adapt to subtitles quickly (when I have to). In these movies I do not think the characters were stripped of authenticity by dubbing. If anything dubbing added emotion and flushed out the characters. Not necessarily equally for each character but I had no issues with dubbing.

So you're saying dubbing actually helps? lol  The quintessential example I always use is "Life is Beautiful". Love him or hate him, Roberto Benigni is a very distinct individual who is full of character. The first time I saw a part of the dubbed version of this film, it made me sick to my stomach.

I think something else I like about subtitles is how it allows me to focus on every word of dialogue. Sometimes the dialogue track varies in clarity or the actors will fail to properly enunciate, and I'll end up looking to my lady friend asking what was said, and she doesn't know either. Then you have period pieces like English films set in the 1800s where the accents are very heavy...this really aggravates me, cause for some reason I have a real hard time with this. Even though they are speaking English, there
have been times where I turned on the subtitles so I could alleviate my frustration and enjoy the film lol.

Obviously it's a preference thing and not a right or wrong thing, though...it's nice that both subtitles and dub tracks are so easily available so everyone can see the film in the way that best suits them.

[Don_S]

Please note my reference was specifically to this trilogy.  I have heard bad dubbing so I know where some people are coming from.  Let me rephrase that "I have heard horrible dubbing". My opinion is that is not the case here.

I have watched many foreign films where subtitles were the best option and thoroughly enjoyed the movie so I am not against subtitles categorically. With Asian films subtitles are the only way to go. Too much discrepancy between lip movement and what they are saying. That drives me bonkers. I especially love it when the character rattles on for 30 seconds and the translation is five words. 

[ajzepp]

Please note my reference was specifically to this trilogy.  I have heard bad dubbing so I know where some people are coming from.  Let me rephrase that "I have heard horrible dubbing". My opinion is that is not the case here.

I have watched many foreign films where subtitles were the best option and thoroughly enjoyed the movie so I am not against subtitles categorically. With Asian films subtitles are the only way to go. Too much discrepancy between lip movement and what they are saying. That drives me bonkers. I especially love it when the character rattles on for 30 seconds and the translation is five words. 

Ah ok, so it's sort of a case by case basis for you then...that makes sense. And I agree about the wonky translations...it totally takes you out of the story because you're laughing at how ridiculous it looks lol

[jqp]

Wow I just finished watching the three Extended Editions which I started on Friday - thats 6x90 minutes.

They are actually 1 of of 3 different Swedish versions of the series (known in Sweden as the Millenium Series). There is also the American version.

They are listed like this on Amazon (free on Amazon Prime)

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo: Extended Edition

The Girl Who Played With Fire: Extended Edition

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest: Extended Edition

Also the regular editions are available.

These extended editions were made in 2009 and first seen on French premium cable TV.

I really liked these extended editions - apparently they are better at fleshing out what is in the books. Loved the actors. Saw a Charlie Rose  interview with the first one's filmmaker Niels Arden Oplev where he said he is obsessed with realism and credibility.

Subtitles with the original language is the way to go for me. The subtitles did not bother me, sometimes I like to rewind and watch part of a scene more than once. I think I actually learned some Swedish this weekend.

An interesting look at Sweden also, the real Sweden, issues like most other first world countries whether socialist or not.

These are very intense and satisfying movies. Been reading a lot of murder mysteries lately and these go beyond my expectations as films based on books.

I will also read the books and watch the American remakes to compare.

[wilsynet]

Sweden is not a socialist country.  It's a mixed economy like the US, Canada, etc.  There's private ownership, there are businesses, there's even efforts to de-regulate certain industries and encourage entrepreneurship these days.  Sweden certainly has strong social welfare policies, but I think it would be inaccurate to say that Sweden is a socialist country.

[ajzepp]

New posts!!!! Hallelujah!!!! 

[Don_S]

jqp,

Thanks for the update.  I did not know extended versions were available.  What do you mean by 3 Swedish versions?  Regular, extended and ???