MJ: I love the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo books - I read the first one in a matter of days, and read the other two just as quickly. My mum received the third for Christmas when we were in Rottnest one year - I read it in 2 days lying on the couch overlooking the ocean.
I'm not sure why they are so good, and why Lisbeth Salander is such an appealing character. She does some pretty horrible things, but you still find yourself cheering for her, and hope the system works in her favour. I think it might be because Stieg Larsson somehow seems to make all the characters incredibly 3D. The heroes, while still fantastic, are real enough to have their own problems and baggage.
In Japan, the books have been selling like crazy, in preparation for the Hollywood version film of the first book. I made Nico read them (because I love them so much and have read them all several times) and despite her complaining the first book was too long and detailed she was complaining about there not being any books beyond the third!
So last Friday we went to see the movie in the cinemas. I saw the Swedish version at the outdoor cinemas and loved it, so was very keen to see this movie as well. And overall it was really good. Of course, books are always better but it captured the heart of the book.
But just one thing surprised me.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is quite graphic - sexually and violently. (SPOILERS) There are two rape scenes - not that you can see it actually happening, well you sort of can. And there is violent sexual sadism kidnap, and themes about long term sexual abuse, and murders. Which are all showed in the movie.
And then there is a sex scene between the two main characters. No violence, completely consensual. But realistic looking. AND IT WAS BLURRED OUT!
I couldn't believe it. It was in the cinemas! I looked around and everyone was watching it quite normally, no-one else seemed to notice.
I spoke with Nico afterwards - and found out it is illegal to show sex in public places. If the characters are covered, OK. Or even just covered from the bottom down, OK. But simulating sex while a little naked, not OK. Boobs are OK, but no other bits. Even in a normal Hollywood movie.
I have to admit - it does surprise me. Although there is little to no sex in Japanese mainstream dramas or movies, it is the home of animated pornography.
I'm not sure why they are so good, and why Lisbeth Salander is such an appealing character. She does some pretty horrible things, but you still find yourself cheering for her, and hope the system works in her favour. I think it might be because Stieg Larsson somehow seems to make all the characters incredibly 3D. The heroes, while still fantastic, are real enough to have their own problems and baggage.
In Japan, the books have been selling like crazy, in preparation for the Hollywood version film of the first book. I made Nico read them (because I love them so much and have read them all several times) and despite her complaining the first book was too long and detailed she was complaining about there not being any books beyond the third!
So last Friday we went to see the movie in the cinemas. I saw the Swedish version at the outdoor cinemas and loved it, so was very keen to see this movie as well. And overall it was really good. Of course, books are always better but it captured the heart of the book.
But just one thing surprised me.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is quite graphic - sexually and violently. (SPOILERS) There are two rape scenes - not that you can see it actually happening, well you sort of can. And there is violent sexual sadism kidnap, and themes about long term sexual abuse, and murders. Which are all showed in the movie.
And then there is a sex scene between the two main characters. No violence, completely consensual. But realistic looking. AND IT WAS BLURRED OUT!
I couldn't believe it. It was in the cinemas! I looked around and everyone was watching it quite normally, no-one else seemed to notice.
I spoke with Nico afterwards - and found out it is illegal to show sex in public places. If the characters are covered, OK. Or even just covered from the bottom down, OK. But simulating sex while a little naked, not OK. Boobs are OK, but no other bits. Even in a normal Hollywood movie.
I have to admit - it does surprise me. Although there is little to no sex in Japanese mainstream dramas or movies, it is the home of animated pornography.
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