Departamento Q: Guardiões das Causas Perdidas

I think it's fair to say that THE KEEPER OF LOST CAUSES is Denmark's answer to THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO; it has much in common with the look, style, and feel of the Steig Larsson adaptation, although the narrative is more simplistic and straightforward as befits a shorter film. Once again the story is a mix of crime grittiness, nasty unpleasantness, historical events impacting on the present, and some dogged detectives refusing to give up on a cold case.

The methods of the killer in this film are quite terrifying from a psychological perspective, adding a sheen of unique horror to the movie which comes as an unexpected surprise. Although the subject matter is depressing the film is never so, because the production values are excellent and the cinematography particularly strong. The main characters aren't particularly likable, they're too gruff for that, but they are realistic, which is what counts. Although I'm not a huge fan of Scandinavian crime stories, even I enjoyed this well-paced and engrossing tale.

Slow moving detective movie but I like it like that.No excessive reading of words in another language because the film speaks for itself. The director has created a very entertaining atmosphere. You develop a feel for the investigation. The editing is tight. Nothing is wasted. The homicide detective gets demoted to cold case files. He picks up one that speaks to him. A suicide that after digging does not come close to a suicide and no body. Going deeper in, nothing is easy or as it seems. As you move along the story unfolds in tidbits and gets darker and darker. Man sinks about as low as a human twisted can go. I don't want to give away any of the ending but with lackluster uncommon in Hollywood style movie making it's riveting. I enjoyed this gem immensely.

Scandinavian detective films is a sign of international quality, especially for those who think that stories can be catchy without constant chases-shootings and without a thin line between law machinery and criminals. Kvinden i buret is a nice and solid example such films, plus talented character actors in leading roles - a Dane Nikolaj Lie Kaas and an Assyrian from Sweden Fares Fares (by the way, speaking tolerable Danish). Multidimensional plot provides additional tensions and you start to ponder who and why, the outcome is logical, although the wrongdoer's person and motives were revealed a bit too early. The film includes several clichés as well (for example, injudicious boss vs. solitary pigheaded detective, bickers between partners), but they are not annoying, enabling to unfold the characters and justify certain deeds.

All in all, a nice film, and first in the line of films (to be) made on the basis of Jussi Adler-Olsen's novels. I am looking forward to see them all.

Suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the movie. I read the book a couple of years ago and as far as I can recall it, this movie does a good job in retelling the story.

If your a fan of Nordic noir like me then there is enough here in Department Q to keep you entertained for 90 minutes. Whilst I did find the plot far fetched and totally implausible. The fast paced script quality acting, and the usual dark moody cinematography the Danes do so well, made this an enjoyable watch and look forward to further installments.