Cast
View AllGaspard Ulliel
as Hannibal Lecter
Aaran Thomas
as Hannibal Lecter (young)
Gong Li
as Lady Murasaki
Dominic West
as Inspector Popil
Rhys Ifans
as Vladis Grutas
Richard Brake
as Enrikas Dortlich
Kevin McKidd
as Petras Kolnas
Stephen Walters
as Zigmas Milko
Ivan Marevich
as Bronys Grentz
Helena-Lia Tachovská
as Mischa Lecter
Richard Leaf
as Father Lecter
Ingeborga Dapkūnaitė
as Mother Lecter
Martin Hub
as Lothar
Joerg Stadler
as Berndt
Hugh Ross
as Professor Dumas
Crew
Director
- Peter Webber
Producer
- Tarak Ben Ammar
- Dino De Laurentiis
- Martha De Laurentiis
Reviews
John Chard
What made Hannibal the beast he was?
Indeed, director Peter Webber and author Thomas Harris bring us Hannibal Lector (ne: Lecter) the formative years. Off the bat you have to say it's not overtly a horror film, something which has proved to have annoyed many who ventured in expecting something different. Which on one hand is a shame because it's a very effective thriller, ripe with literary smarts and boasting some very good acting performances. While there is horrors around, genuine ones that history has taught us as fact.
On the other hand it is a disappointment to fans of the Hannibal series, and to horror fans in general. The marketing didn't help, it was sold to all and sundry along the lines as the cannibal begins in earnest, thus nobody was quite prepared for the fact Hannibal was a normal kid once, even human! Once the pic kicks into being a revenge killer thriller, it lacks an emotional wallop, with the screenplay shaking too many eggs in the basket and not coming up with a tasty fava bean based omelet.
Smart tech credits help to still further keep this out of stinkerville and above average, but the heavy feeling of missed opportunities and poor writing hangs heavy as the end credits roll. 6/10
Nov 1, 2015
Thematic Analysis
This Crime/Thriller/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Hannibal Rising presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Peter Webber brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Hannibal Rising took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $75.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 121 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 2383 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2007, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Hannibal Rising shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Pipeline, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Hannibal Rising offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Tales from the Darkside: The Movie and Code of Silence explore similar territory, Hannibal Rising stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 6, 2007
- Runtime: 2h 1m
- Budget: $75,000,000
- Revenue: $82,169,884
Where to Watch




