Hannibal Rising (film)

Hannibal Rising is a 2007 psychological horror film, and a prequel to the Hannibal Lecter film series. Directed by Peter Webber and written by Thomas Harris, based on his 2006 novel of the same name, the film explores the early life of Hannibal Lecter and the events that led him to become a cannibalistic serial killer.

The film stars Gaspard Ulliel as the young Hannibal, and also features Gong Li, Dominic West, Rhys Ifans, and Kevin McKidd. The story follows Hannibal's experiences as a child during World War II, his subsequent relocation to France to live with his aunt, and his pursuit of the men responsible for the death of his younger sister, Mischa.

Hannibal Rising details Hannibal's descent into violence and cannibalism, portraying the traumatic experiences that shaped his psyche and the circumstances that fostered his unique blend of intelligence and brutality. The narrative aims to provide an origin story for the iconic character, explaining the motivations and events that transformed him into the infamous Hannibal Lecter. The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with criticism focused on the effectiveness of the backstory in justifying Lecter's later actions and the overall tone and execution.