Right from the start, let me admit that I have seen all of the Hannibal movies—including the original Manhunter.  I know, call me messed up, call me… whatever.  I guess part of it comes from my days where I was studying (and fascinated with) Abnormal Psychology.  Another part of my interest may have been my appreciation of Tom Harris, and the fascinating character study he had written.  Thankfully, he is back and it is his story that we see onscreen.
 
Hannibal Rising is the prequel to the Hannibal Lecter story.  The movie starts out with the early youth of Hannibal Lecter.  In Lithuania’s Lecter Castle, we see a loving and fun young Hannibal alongside his little sister and loving parents.  The story starts in the early days of World War II and the events of that war lead to what will ultimately become a villainous character for the ages.
 
In recent movies featuring Lecter, there was much that was lacking.  In Silence of the Lambs we see an interesting character study and adventure that lets us into the mind of Hannibal Lecter—even though there was always that ongoing confusion and interest as to why Hannibal was the way he was.  This movie answers those questions. 
 
Hannibal Rising is a character study into the concept of evil and where evil comes from.  The series has always been laced with Spiritual imagery—visual as well as contextual.  While there is minimal visual imagery here, the overall exploration of evil is more of a plot issue for this movie.
 
From biblical times, there has been the exploration of evil.  From Genesis to Revelation, almost every book of the Bible explores evil, its consequences, origins, and realities.  Those concepts—especially of every person being born with the potential of evil—are driven home by Harris in this story.  It is here we see, understand—and can almost accept—the evil that exists within Hannibal Lecter.  That is not to excuse the evil, but to simply understand Hannibal from a new perspective. We see a perspective where we can look at ourselves and ask the question, “What if it had been me?”
 
We see in the life of Hannibal Lecter evil birthed by evil.  From this one can relate better to a concept presented in Romans 12:21, where the reader is told not to repay evil with evil. There are consequences of such actions, and this movie present those which can come about when one repays evil with evil.

In our capacity for revenge or vengeance, we all run the risk of becoming like Hannibal.  We likely won’t become this in the methods and ways he does, but with the emotional struggles and inner conflicts we face.  The reality is that far more harm can come from the tendency to seek vengeance, than can come from the effort to forgive.  To strive and dwell on revenge can turn all of us into monsters. 
 
This is not an exceptional movie, though it is one of the better recent Hannibal movies, and it presents a fascinating character study—one more character-driven than it is by the themes of surprise, suspense, or even terror.  For many Hannibal fans, it will disappoint.  For those fascinated with the Hannibal character, there will be plenty of answers and plenty of things to appreciate.
 
On a technical perspective, the movie was interesting and well-filmed.  I will admit I felt the movie was long and got a little boring.  There was confusion as to the intent of the direction of the movie.  It is not a movie I will likely see again, but I am glad I saw it at least once.  The characters were well acted, but I don’t think we can expect any great roles to come about because of this movie.  As a fan, you may or may not like it.  On its own, though, without a pre-existing interest in the character, I just don’t think there would be much interest for Hannibal Rising.
 
On a scale of 1 – 10, for the four movies made with this character, deducting them from 10, I come up with an okay 6.
Also: Visual Preview and Spiritual Connections