Hannibal Rising - Movie Synopsis

Hannibal Rising is the fifth film (Manhunter, Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, Red Dragon) and prequel to the Hannibal Lecter series by Thomas Harris. It is an adaptation of Thomas Harris' 2006 novel of the same name and will tell the story of how Hannibal becomes the infamous serial killer of the previous films and books.

The film is being directed by Peter Webber from a screenplay by Harris. It was filmed in Barrandov Studios in Prague. It is produced by the Dino De Laurentiis Company and scheduled to be released in February 9 2007. Theatrical distribution in the United States will be by The Weinstein Company and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Synopsis: The story opens in Eastern Europe in the final days of World War II. These are desperate times full of desperate actions to simply survive. Young Hannibal (Gaspard Ulliel) witnesses the violent death of his parents, leaving him responsible for the care of his sister. Without any means of providing support for either of them, he is forced to take refuge in a Soviet orphanage that was once his families home. He leaves the orphanage to seek out what family he has, an Uncle in France, only to find his Uncle has died. His Uncle's widow, Lady Murasaki (Gong Li) takes him in and shows him love and kindness. Under her tutelage, young Hannibal becomes an apt pupil to science and takes to studying medicine. It is here that Lecter develops his talents that he will use to exact his justice on the war criminals that haunt his thoughts.

The Official Movie Site where you can view the trailer, get downloads, etc.