I don't put this in the same category as the 3 previous films with Hopkins (counting Manhunter out completely,, even though it is a very good film). This movie is another animal altogether. Not only bc this has a young actor playing a young Lecter,, but bc this is the origin story,, how he became the monster. This movie shows so many new sides to the character. A helpless child,, a traumatized teen,, a deranged young man trying to put his memories together to exact his revenge,,, and also, love. His love for the sister he lost, and also his widowed aunt.
If you are a fan of the Hopkins trilogy,, then you must see this,,,
Hannibal Rising
2007
Action / Adventure / Crime / Drama / Horror / Thriller / War
Hannibal Rising
2007
Action / Adventure / Crime / Drama / Horror / Thriller / War
Plot summary
Mischa and Hannibal, baby brother and sister, are inseparable; it is their love for each other that ties their bond. Their companionship is forever binding, until, with their family, while hiding from the Nazi war machine a twisted set of circumstance sets the pace for a most vicious attack on the future of one Hannibal Lecter for the sworn vengeance for the brutal killing of his baby sister. Years later, we find Hannibal, the teenager, setting up in Paris, and living with his aunt Lady Murasaki Shikibu and studying at medical school here he finds his forte. Still searching for his sister's murderers, still bitter and still ever hopeful of satisfying his desire for retribution. This chance arrives, and soon we are to learn that for a pound of flesh lost a pound of flesh must be repaid. This is the horrific tale of justice and honor, a young man's growing pains that will have the guilty paying with more than just flesh and bone. This is the up and rising tale of the young Hannibal, pray you do not meet him, for meat you shall be to him. Taste his wrath.
Uploaded by: OTTO
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
Great performances all around
A good story that stands on it's own
I think the best way to enjoy of this movie is to think of it on it's own without the Silence of the Lambs in mind. Because as a story it is a very good WWII related historical thriller set in Lithuania and France. And the character of Hannibal is actually a sympathetic hero of sorts. You're on his side throughout the story since he has some justification and the retribution theme is surprisingly freshly done here. In that way it doesn't seem to gel with the later stories that much but that is because of the novels.
I was not a Silence of the Lambs fan thought it mostly gross horror - so I didn't see Hannibal Rising till 2013 on DVD. In Hannibal Rising the violence isn't that graphic - you know when to avert your eyes. Cannibalism is there but it's not so in your face. Anyway the violence mostly has a feel good element that makes it more acceptable.
Production is good. The historical European atmosphere and sets are authentic looking. Acting is good too. Gong Li is beautiful here and actually a useful as opposed to the usual helpless heroine with some goodness in her heart. Gaspard Ulliel is fascinating to watch just creepy enough yet sympathetic. Just have to put out of your mind that he could turn into Anthony Hopkins.
Surprisingly good on its own - even for non Silence fans.
Have the viewers stopped screaming?
HANNIBAL: Go on, Clarice.
CLARICE: I was thinking... a prequel. An origin story.
HANNIBAL: You say these words and you know what I sense? A little, pathetic, onanistic fantasy built on cheap anticipation. But please, enthrall me with your narrative skills.
CLARICE: Viewers need to see why you became what you are.
HANNIBAL: Read Lucretius, Clarice. Nequeunt oculis rerum primordia cerni... the first beginnings of things cannot be distinguished by the eye. The more you explain the back-story of a character, the more trivial and ham-handed it becomes.
CLARICE: We could say war criminals cannibalized your little sister in front of you.
HANNIBAL: Rather obvious, don't you think? The transmogrification of an ominous villain into yet another case of childhood trauma.
CLARICE: But here comes the interesting part: your hot Japanese aunt trains you in martial arts, so armed with a katana you start your revenge and-
HANNIBAL: ...goodbye, Clarice.