This movie seems to presume that you have read the book(s) It follows the story really well but as always have to take shortcuts to fit in the time frame, even though it's allowed 2,5 hours. ...Of which the first 30 minutes is almost all about massaging you into Engelsfors, a small community in the modern world. The depicting of a teenagers life is rather good, even if it is cut short, it serves just as your massage in order to get to the point of magic. Some of these shortcuts feels to me that they would be totally incomprehensible if you haven't read the book, but I can be wrong.
Nothing bad about the directing, it is good. And considering that all main actors are first- timers, they do a good job! To me it feels like well performed amateur theatre, but as a movie watcher I wish it had been better, I cannot get immersed in what's happening.
And the worst: As always there seems to be no competent sound technician in Sweden! When watching the DVD version I find myself turning up the volume when someone speaks, and turning it down when there is sound effects. Even as a native Swedish speaker I have to strain myself to hear what they say. It shouldn't have to be this way, I really abhor it!
As a plus I must add that the music is very beautiful, and as I inclined above it is no problem hearing it.
All in all I think that this movie would do great if it was remade somewhat like "Let the right one in" -which by the way I think was equally good in both the Swedish and the US version.
I do not hope for a part 2, I hope for a Hollywood version of the whole trilogy!