A film not to be enjoyed at dinner time..
 Aug 26th, 2001
Advantages:
Good film with some good actors .
Disadvantages:
Not quite as good as Silence of the lambs
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
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Characters / Performances
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Happy 2009 everyone. Having trouble juggling the hours in the day....but have managed to come throu...
Member since:03.08.2001
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Review rated by 73 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
Hannibal was released in cinemas in February 2001 and came out on DVD and video on 21st August 2001. We had pre-ordered our copy of the DVD version from Blackstar for £17.99, but the usual cost is around £20.00, depending on where you get it from. We went for the widescreen version (we have to make use of the widescreen TV sometimes) which is part of a two disc set. One DVD is devoted to the film and the other is a bonus disc with special features.
I can’t really write a review of the DVD without telling you what these special features are and about the technical specifications of the disc.
DVD FEATURES Region 1
Keep case
Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85
AUDIO DTS Surround 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 5.1 French
Dolby Digital 5.1 Spanish
ADDITIONAL FEATURES Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary on disc one by director, Ridley Scott
A documentary on disc two called Breaking the Silence
INTERACTIVE FEATURES 3 Multi-angle featurettes
TEXT & PHOTO GALLERIES Still and photographs of
cast and scenes from the film
RUNNING TIME 2 Hours 11 Minutes
Hannibal is Thomas Harris’ third novel and cannibalistic Doctor Hannibal Lecter. This time Anthony Hopkins (Hannibal Lecter) is joined by Julianne Moore as FBI Agent Clarice Starling, instead of Silence of the Lambs actress Jodi Foster. This film is set several years after this film and re-unites Lecter, Starling and one of his previous victims (Mason Verger) in a story that is both gory and thrilling. Mason Verger is a survivor of Lecter’s previous campaign of terror. He is horribly mutilated, very bitter and is out for revenge on his tormentor. He offers a reward, over the internet, for his capture and reports of his whereabouts begin to appear. Verger has been planning a horrible and blood thirsty revenge; he is bed-ridden, very rich and has had a lot of time on his hands.
It comes to light that Hannibal is in Florence, Italy, where he is free and unrecognised. Italian detective Pazzi (played by Giancarlo Giannini) discovers his identity and decides that, rather than do his duty as a policeman and report his whereabouts to Starling, he will claim the reward for himself. Pazzi has a young girlfriend who is fond of expensive trips to the Opera and Pazzi sees this as a way to impress her. This is Piazzi’s downfall and the reason for his gruesome end…I won’t give it away, but it isn’t a nice way to go! Clarice Starling has been discredited, for her part in an FBI shootout that doesn’t go to plan, and her mentions in the newspapers bring her to Lecter’s attention. He sends her a letter and Clarice gets back onto his trail. This time she has to come face to face with her old adversary without the luxury of a wall of glass to protect her.
Hannibal Lecter appears to be obsessed with Clarice, perhaps even in love with her. Although the compelling interaction between them that occurs in the previous film is lacking, there is a still a close bond apparent and Lecter is unable to cause her harm. This is all of the plot of the film that I really want to reveal. It’s one of those films that you have to watch to see what manner of gruesome spectacle Hannibal has “cooked” up for his next victim. There are some great examples in the film, so it is certainly not for those of a weak constitution. There were some bits that made me feel quite queasy! My only advice is: Never accept an invitation to Dr Lecter’s house for dinner, use your brain and say NO…those of you that have seen the film will know exactly what I mean!
I wasn’t as impressed by Hannibal as I was with Silence of the Lambs. I think this was because the suspense wasn’t there. I knew there were going to horrible murders and I knew that Hannibal would get away more or less intact…sorry I gave that one away. The freshness and originality of the previous film was lacking, but I suppose this is an occupational hazard of sequels. I would still recommend this film, however, because it is well acted, the scenery in Florence is magnificent and the effects are gory, but impressive. The documentary was also interesting and I always like to see the deleted scenes and other extras on a DVD. I also enjoyed watching the film again with the director commentary of Ridley Scott. It was interesting to hear what he was trying to achieve and to understand his thoughts about the film. I find the DVD is an interesting format because it gives you a degree of interaction in your viewing experience. Hannibal is no exception to this.
Therefore, I think that if you like a good thriller and don’t have a weak stomach then you will enjoy Hannibal. Try not to make too many comparisons with Silence of the Lambs and just enjoy seeing the chilling face of Hannibal Lecter once again.
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14.02.2006 13:59
I didn't like it !
16.04.2005 20:42
i watched this a while ago but havent watched silence of the lambs. everyone i have spoken to has said they prefered silence of the lambs so i really must watch it sometime!!! Em x
29.09.2003 17:20
i agree silence of the lambs is better