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.
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.