Written by : Thomas Harris
Screen Play : Thomas Harris
Directed by : Peter Webber
Genre : Horror
Rated : R
Running Time : 2 HRS
Theatrical Release : February 9, 2007
Distributor : MGM Films
The Cast : Gaspard Uliel, Rhys Infans, Gong Li, Richard Brake,
Kevin Mckidd, Dominic West
I didn't expect this chapter and prequel of "Hannibal Rising" to be
any good, but to my dismay, "Hannibal Rising" is a well-done motion
picture. Like " Silence of the Lambs", "Hannibal ," and "Red Dragon"
which stared Anthony Hopkins, who spear headed and shocked audiences
with his exceptional performance as the infamous Cannibalistic serial
killer Hannibal Lector: we see the horrible atrocities, of
cannibalism, and murder by a man obsessed with a haunting past that
torments his mind.
"Hannibal Rising" offers an array of visually enjoyable cinematography
that superbly captures its Victorian, and captivating errie glimpses
of World War 2 Europe. We see hideous acts of cannibalism; the macabre
all brilliantly acted by lead actor Gaspard Ulliel. "Hannibal Rising"
brilliantly projects graphic depictions of the German Nazi invasion
and World War 2 era in black and white cinematography.
"Hannibal Rising" also manifests a very intriguing and grizzly early
portrait of the famed cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lector that
is successfully portrayed by Gaspard Ulliel. Hannibal Rising is based
on Thomas Harris's novel "Hannibal". I'm not familiar with Harris's
novel, however, MGM films, and director Peter Webber fills the gaps
for viewers like myself who have not read the novel. Peter Webber's
directorial depiction and achievement with this story displays the
wonders of a brilliant ambiance, and cast along with horrid and vivid
pictorial origins of serial killer, Hannibal Lector. I believe that
everyone who views this film will leave with this thought..."Hannibal
Rising" is a very good movie that's worth a box office ticket.
In this movie, we see Hannibal Lector as a young boy 8 years of age
along with his parents, sister, lavished in wealth and living in a
hilltop Castle, It's world war 2 Nazi Germany. The castle of Hannibal
Lector is hit by a plane, and his parents are killed. Hannibal and his
sister flee to an abandon house, food is scarce and the famine German
soldiers have broke into the house, and plan to kill Hannibal and his
sister by eating them. When captured by the Nazis they eat his sister.
Hannibal escapes and is raised in an Orphanage and castle that once
belonged to his parents. The hideous escapades of Hannibal become
noticeable when his interactions with the other orphaned boys become
barbaric. Hannibal leaves the Orphanage and finds his aunt, an Asian
widow who married his uncle (Gong Li).
While living with his aunt she teaches Hannibal the martial arts, and
techniques with a samurai sword. Later, Hannibal and his aunt visit
the marketplace; they run into a nasty butcher who disrespects her
woman hood publicly. His learning's of the martial arts, and the use
of the samurai sword becomes deadly for the butcher when Hannibal
decapitates him and takes his head to his aunt, to show his act of
vengeance for her mistreatment. Later Hannibal catches up with another
Nazi criminal responsible for the death of his sister, kidnaps him,
and eats his cheeks. Meanwhile Hannibal goes off to Medical school in
France to learn medicine and methods of surgery all set to a tone to
avenge the Nazis who invaded, captured, and killed his sister. The
killers meet Hannibal in France, and a chilling show down of horror
begins in this prequel of "Hannibal Rising." What happens next? What
is Hannibal dark secret? You'll find out when you see this outstanding
movie.
Final Thoughts
As I mentioned earlier, "Hannibal Rising" is a well-done motion
picture that horror and "Silence of the Lamb" trilogy fans will enjoy.
"Hannibal Rising" is the perfect prequel of the "Silence of the
Lambs", "Red Dragon", and "Hannibal" franchise. While Gaspard Ulliel
is no Anthony Hopkins his role as the young, beguiling, and slick
Hannibal Lector is very well executed and certainly draws a lot of
energetic attention and strength. The cast overall is a good ensemble
and best suited for this film. Again "Hannibal Rising" is a must see
horror flick. "Hannibal Rising" gets 3 and a half stars.
Reviewed by Lisa Smith
(c)2007
This review is also posted at mouthshut.com
http://www.mouthshut.com/user/artsed.html
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