Read it or see the movie? Both? Neither?

[Jane]

Read it and saw the Swedish version. Probably won't see the American version...I've had my fill of the violence. Thought the book(s) were fantastic -- and the Swedish films.

[Wiliani]

i saw the film at first, and then, i'm so curious about Blomkvist and Salander, so i buy this series (3 books of Millenium series) , find out that the writer already pass away , it's so sad, i'd read the first book, and it's a great book, now i'm reading the second book. i think, i prefer read the book (but the film is great too), because, there're some different scene in film compare with the book...but at all, i love the actor and actress who played as Blomkvist and Salander. but if they will make the next film (the girl who played with fire) i'll never miss it. Love this series....cant wait to read this series....

[Wiliani]

Oh, i forget, i think, no husband ( like Erica's husband) in real world, who can accept his wife has other man in same time.... ^ ^ , how about you ?

[Wiliani]

Athy wrote: "I have read/lilstened to the trilogy. I wnt to see the movie and was prepared for it to be like they usually are, not true to the book. I was really surprised! The movie was quite true to the bo..."

Athy wrote: "I have read/lilstened to the trilogy. I wnt to see the movie and was prepared for it to be like they usually are, not true to the book. I was really surprised! The movie was quite true to the bo..."

yes, i'm agree with you, i should read this book fisrt and then i can understand the movie, i saw the american version...

[Arturo]

for me it's read first and watch later, because if i don't then i'll get lazy and will probably never read the novel if i already know how it turns out in the end. i mean, do you really wanna deprive all your friends and the people around you from your know-it-all comments on how the book was better/different than the movie? think about it guy.

[[deleted user]]

I have read all three books, and even though the first two books take a little bit of time to get into, I would suggest perserving as they are brilliant!

I got hold of the movie, and to be honest I couldn't even sit through half of it. It did the book absolutely NO justice. Then the second one was randomly on TV and it wasn't a hollywood-ised film and in Swedish and I actually liked that more. It kept close to the book and the acting was far better and Lisbeth didn't look like a complete douchebag! (i know she's alternative, but honeslty, in the first movie, the actor doesn't seem like she's meant to play the part at all).

[Eugenia]

I don't usually find myself saying this but watch the Swedish movie versions and don't bother with the books, if you don't want to. (I haven't seen the American versions, yet so I can't speak to that.) I found Larson very verbose - I made it through the first two but just couldn't motivate myself to pick up book three.

[[deleted user]]

The first and third books are actually the best. The second one took a lot longer than the others to get into. I may have to see if I can find the Swedish version of the first one! In the American movies Lisbeth reminded me of... How do I explain it... Signorney weaver in the alien ressurection! She didn't seem REAL. It was very disappointing

[Eugenia]

Erin wrote: "The first and third books are actually the best. The second one took a lot longer than the others to get into. I may have to see if I can find the Swedish version of the first one! In the American ..."

The hundred pages Larson spent on Grenada which was never mentioned again and wasn't apparently relevant to the action of the next few hundred pages just used up all my energy.

[Yehudith]

i saw the Swedish version and it was good. i read the second and third books and i loved them.

[[deleted user]]

Eugenia wrote: "Erin wrote: "The first and third books are actually the best. The second one took a lot longer than the others to get into. I may have to see if I can find the Swedish version of the first one! In ..."

I actually couldn't agree more!

[Jean]

Honestly, I would have to say over-rated. All the hype is just because the main character takes actions that seem so unordinary for women. I saw the original movie (subtitled to English) and while it was OK, I can't say this book is even close to one of the best I've ever read, but then again, I've read many many books in my years......

[Joe]

I read all 3. IMO the first was good, the second great, and the third exciting if you speed-read through the boring middle. I do not plan on seeing the movie versions.

[Lori]

NEITHER!!!!!!!!! This is the most poorly written book I have ever read.

[Jenaew]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Despite it taking some time to develop the pot I appreciate the patience in which the author included the history and set up the story. I said I was NOT going to see the movies b/c rarely do the make a great movie from an awesome book but I broke down and rented it last weekend.
Absolutely disappointed at the over emphasis of the sexual content and the under development of the actual family history and mystery. Glad I read first :o}

[Elsbeth L.S.E.]

Pam wrote: "I'm one of those freaks that LOVED the books and the Swedish versions of the movie and I even enjoyed the American version (although I felt it was inferior to the Swedish versions.) I would strong..."

Hi, Pam.

I read the book and watched the Swedish version movie, I have yet to see the American version but yes, I think the Swedish version is better. Hollywood tend to overkill sometimes. But still, I'm going to watch it :D

But like in all other books-made-to-movies, books are always better :)

[Bill]

I thought the American film got the step for Lisbeth's character better (at least the possibility of being in a loving relationship with a man). The Swedish film ended on a plot note.

I enjoyed the books more than the movie. I knew going in the books would be a bit slow and detailed, but I like variety in my reading (and movies; I can't just watch stripped down Hollywood films).

Bill

[Farheen]

I'd definitely recommend the book...its simply amazing!The movie just couldn't match up to it...the story is first-class and Lisbeth Salander's character stays with you long after you've put the book down!

[Farheen]

Serena wrote: "I've read the book and seen the movie. I definitely preferred the movie, just because of how long-winded the book was in places. Kind of wish I'd only bothered with the film to be honest!"
Hey I think the book is way more superior than the movie..!

[Maria (Մարիա)]

I've read the book then watched the movie, and i can bet the book is much more better than the movie (though it is a little bit long) ! there are lots of missing scenes in the movie besides the finale in the book is very exciting but in the movie it is not ! if you are fan of thriller books, you have to try it !

[Linda]

Read the book. Then see the Swedish original making of this movie. Skip the American version. It does not do the writer justice.

[Richard]

I'm with you, Pam. Loved the book and the Swedish movie. I thought the American film was very derivitive of the Swedish effirt and that Noomi Rapace was by far the better Lisbeth.Pam wrote: "I'm one of those freaks that LOVED the books and the Swedish versions of the movie and I even enjoyed the American version (although I felt it was inferior to the Swedish versions.) I would strong..."

[Michelle]

Loved the book, slow start but its a fantastic read. Would recommend reading it before watching the movie tho, the book has so much more detail than the movie captured :)

[Michelle]

Athy wrote: "I have read/lilstened to the trilogy. I wnt to see the movie and was prepared for it to be like they usually are, not true to the book. I was really surprised! The movie was quite true to the bo..."

so true.

[Sarah]

Read all the books, and loved them. I liked the Swedish version of the movie, wondering still how the American one will compare. Books are very detailed, there is only so much a movie can do.

[Peter]

I read the first book and saw all the films. There were scenes that were difficult to take. Some women in my wife's book club found the book more harrowing when describing the assault Lisbeth was subjected to. I watched the film with my wife and it was more difficult to watch than read. All in all it was a fine bit of work on Larsen's part pointing out some serious issues in Swedish society. Apparently the abuse, ascending all the way to the heights of Swedish government and commerce is quite rampant. It's one of the reasons why the cospiracy rumour circulated that Larson's death was not by natural causes.

[Rob]

I can't recommend either film, really. The best thing about the book is the title character, and both films cut the character's two best moments.

[Jennifer]

See the Swedish movie if you decide not to read the books. I really loved the books and the Swedish movies were awesome I haven't seen the American versions though.

[Clary]

I haven't seen the movie but the book was great.

[Aminath]

Read and loved the books. Saw the new version of the movie and loved it too.
I recommend both.

[Rachel]

I read the books first and loved them! The sweedish films are great adaptations and so is the new one with Daniel Craig.
But I do warn those are not used to violent ideas there is abuse towards women in all of these, the movie does make me sick (the new film) when the certain scene comes on and we all know what one but the truth is, reading the book prepared me for it almost so I knew what to expect.

[Tim]

Look for the Extended editions of the Swedish movies if you can find them. The films were originally made as a six part TV miniseries, and cut down considerably for the theatrical release. The extended edition blu rays are the TV series as broadcast, and include missing plot lines such as the Erika-Blomqvist one mentioned here a couple of times.

[Kaye]

Rachel wrote: "I still have not read this book, but have heard mixed reviews about it. I was warned there is a lot of violence against women.

Now there is a movie out, which I also haven't seen. Would you reco..."

I read the book and saw the movie. First there is violence against women but it's not condoned and without giving away too much, I'll just say justice is served.

The book is hard to get into but once you do you'll be hooked and you must read the book before seeing the movie. I can't imagine that you could follow the movie it if you hadn't read the book. They did an outstanding job following the book.

I loved the book and the movie. In fact I loved all the books in the series. That's my two cents worth....

[Sharon L.]

Read entire series and see the Swedish movie!

[Matthew]

Any important differences between the Hollywood and Swedish version of the films? I've read book I & II and still finding the appropriate time to start the final book.

[Sharon L.]

I haven't seen the American version, but my feel is that the book's plot is followed pretty closely. If you don't mind the subtitles, the DVD has a great interview with the Swedish actress as well!

[Denice]

I first read the book.... LOVED it. When I first started reading it, I had no idea what it was about about or what I was about to be led into. The word was that it was a good read and that was all I needed to start reading it. I felt like I had been taken on this wild trip. But a fantastic read. I was very reluctant to watch the movie. In fact just watched it a week ago. I have to admit, they did a great job with the movie. Yes, there were area's that they didn't even touch on in the movie and they changed the ending but over-all I liked it. About the ending - what I thought was funny, was that the ending they had for the movie, was the ending I had in my head when I was reading it. But he went a different route in the book. Liked them both. worth the read and the watch in my opinion.

[Bobby]

The original Swedish film version is great and the newer American version is pretty good but I gave up on the book after about 150 pages. It's some of the dullest prose I've ever read.

[Anand]

Both. Read the novel and found it fantastic. Saw the American version movie and found it entertaining, though I found the novel far more gripping. May perhaps watch the Swedish version film as well.

[Carol]

Fantastic read! If you like strong female characters, and a very creative author (I've read all three), you'll have a blast with it. It is a little quirky, but I like to go there. I'm surprised there are so many people who didn't enjoy it. But maybe I'm one of the few people who "get it". (Love that term.)

Happy to hear there are films! Ordering one now...

[Susan]

I've read the first 2 books in the series and liked them. Yes, there's violence against women, but that, I believe, is author's point.

I saw both versions of the Dragon Tattoo, Swedish and US. I liked the Swedish version much better, seemed less rushed. However the acting in both was very fine indeed, both the Lisbeth and Michael characters.

I didn't see the movie of the second book and haven't read the third book. Ah, so many books to read, so little time ...

[Elaine]

Read the book, then watched the Scandinavian DVD, the the American version in the theatre.
Book was fabulous. Scandinavian DVD, also very good.
The American version changed the ending, and I was both shocked and outraged. Count on the Americans to mess things up. Don't even get me started!

[John]

I read the three books, enjoying them as any detective thriller. The setting in both rural and urban Sweden is a plus. The author gives us a detailed view of their culture. Later, in a one-night marathon, I watched all three of the Swedish films based on the books. Fell in love with Noomi Rapace who plays Lisbeth. Too bad the author is no longer with us.

[Susan]

Elaine wrote: "Read the book, then watched the Scandinavian DVD, the the American version in the theatre.
Book was fabulous. Scandinavian DVD, also very good.
The American version changed the ending, and I was bo..."

I agree, Elaine. The ending in the US version annoyed me, too! But I really liked Daniel Craig.

[John]

I have not seen the U.S. version; probably will not. The Swedish films follow the books closely, with all the atmosphere, and I think that that would be lost in the usual American excesses. Even reading the subtitles makes you realize that this is a foreign situation. Noomi Rapace will be starring in 'Prometheus' by Ridley Scott this summer.

[Michelle]

Loved Books 1 & 2, am just starting the Hornet's nest. I watched the "Hollywood" version of 1, then the Swedish. Both very well done, but I agree that the Hollywood treatment of finally locating Harriet Vanger was a little irritating. I thought the American actress (can't remember her name) was a much better match to the physical description of Lisbeth, and Daniel Craig is always nice to look at.

[Jo Ellen]

Pam wrote: "I'm one of those freaks that LOVED the books and the Swedish versions of the movie and I even enjoyed the American version (although I felt it was inferior to the Swedish versions.) I would strong..."

I totally agree with you 100%. I loved all three books and loved the Swedish version of the films, but give the American version a thumbs up too.

[Chris]

Finally finished this the other night, and I'd definitely say to watch the movie. The book had 70 pages of padding at either end that did nothing other than bore me. The movie takes the best part - the central murder plot - and ignores all the rubbish about Wennerstrom and the magazine.

[Jo Ellen]

I think it is so sad that the author died before his books ever became so widely read. Lisbeth Salander is such a folk hero type character. Very inspiring even though she is so damaged.

[Carmen]

I read all 3 books in the series and then watched all 3 movies - then I watched the English version of the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. Loved the books!! Obviously :) I really liked the original movies as well. The English version was good but once I saw the entire series in Swedish I was hooked. The books are much, much better than the movies but there is just too much information to squeeze into a movie.