Film: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
Cast includes: Michael Nyqvest as Mikael, Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth, Lena Endre as Erika, Annika Hallin as Annika and Anders Ahlbom as Dr. Teleborian
Direction: Daniel Alfredson (The Girl Who Played with Fire)
Genre: Crime/Suspense, based on a novel by Stieg Larsson (2009) Swedish with subtitles
In brief:The third and last (for now) installment of the Lisbeth Salander story begins where the second one leaves off… a bloodied and broken Lisbeth is being rushed to Gothenburg University Hospital for surgery to remove a bullet from her brain. Her father, Zalachenko, clings to life and is brought to the same hospital. Her dangerous and disturbed half brother, Niedermann, has escaped after killing 2 cops. Mikael Blomkvist… still determined to help Lisbeth, whether she wants help or not… enlists his sister, Annika, to serve as Lisbeth’s lawyer. Even as Lisbeth clings to life, Mikael knows there are dark forces plotting against her. The dark forces are those in the clandestine quasi-government organization started in the 60s, known as The Section. The Section recruited Zalanchenko back in the 70s, and that’s why they have an interest in what happens to his daughter. If she exposes them, it will open a huge can of worms.
If The Section can’t eliminate Lisbeth, they’re determined to silence her by getting her recommitted to the mental hospital and back under Dr. Teleborian’s heavy hand. Mikael feels the only thing that can save Lisbeth is the truth… Lisbeth has to tell her story. But as we’ve learned, Lisbeth is not exactly the talkative type, so Mikael finds a way to let Lisbeth tell it in her own way. In the meantime Mikael and Millennium Magazine are investigating the individuals they believe conspired against Lisbeth. But telling the truth is dangerous business, not only for Lisbeth but for Mikael and the others at Millennium. And while we’re at it, let’s not forget Neidermann, whose still out there.
This is the third in The Girl… trilogy. It finally elucidates the many complexities of Lisbeth’s story. Only the first one works as a stand-alone movie/novel. When Mikael first meets Lisbeth, it’s to investigate a crime that has the feel of an Agatha Christie mystery. After that, the narratives take a much different tone and become more about Lisbeth’s story. And the last two movies have a different director… which is another reason they might feel a bit different… but certainly compatible. The three films were shot back-to-back, and fans of the others won’t want to miss this one. While the novel spends quite a bit of time with Lisbeth in the hospital and courtroom, the filmmakers modified the narrative to keep this one feeling as action-packed as the others. When Lisbeth finally decides to thank the doctor who saved her life, he reciprocates by thanking her… Lisbeth is the most interesting patient he’s ever had. In fact, Lisbeth is one of the most interesting and original characters any of us have seen recently.
3 popped kernels
A satisfying end to an exciting trilogy… well worth catching the whole series on DVD if you miss it in the theater
Popcorn Profile
Rated: R
Primary Audience: Young adults
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream limited release & art house
Mood: Neither upbeat nor somber
Tempo: Zips right along
Visual Style: Computer Effects
Character Development: Engaging
Language: Swedish
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
