Review of Hannibal Rising (2007) by Jessie C — 01 Aug 2010

Honestly, I was shocked to see how low the ratings are for this movie. I was actually really impressed with the film and how it played out. It had the suspense of the rest of the Hannibal films, yet in a new direction, in a haunting way. It's really creepy to witness the origin of a monster. It stuck with me. It's cool to connect the mannerisms, thoughts, and actions of the elder Hannibal with the developing Hannibal.

The actor, Ulliel, who plays the young Hannibal is excellent. He really scared me. Sometimes the faces he made gave me chills. His dialogue and presentation of such was frightening. He's a really cute guy, but he scared the hell out of me. I was kinda confused about the point of the Li Gong's character's involvement in Hannibal's life. Were they lovers or just close because they both suffered immense tragedy? I think it was the latter, but I'm not sure. The emotional side of the movie was prevalent and strong. There was a huge theme of tragedy throughout the film that truly reached me. It's weird, because you know that everything Hannibal does in this movie is wrong, yet at the same time you understand a little why he had the compulsion to do it. It had a really interesting plot that was enjoyable to view.

It had the gore of the other Hannibal films, it had the complex torture scenes. It had the creepy villains and the terrifying dialogue..all the ingredients of the other films that made them so delicious. ;) I think it was a great movie. I really want to buy it.