Hannibal Rising (2007)

Hannibal Rising (2007) is a chilling psychological thriller that serves as the fifth installment in the Hannibal Lecter franchise. Serving as a prequel to Red Dragon, Hannibal, and The Silence of the Lambs, this film brings to life Thomas Harris’ eponymous 2006 novel. It delves into the origins of Lecter’s descent from a vengeful Nazi hunter to a monstrous cannibalistic serial killer. Set in 1944 Lithuania during World War II, we see an eight-year-old Hannibal and his family take refuge in their hunting lodge to escape the advancing German troops. However, after three long years, the Soviets push back against the Nazis and reclaim control of their land once again. During their retreat, they unknowingly trigger a tragic chain of events that leaves only Hannibal and his sister Mischa alive. Stranded in their cottage while battling harsh winter conditions, the two children are suddenly faced with five armed Lithuanian militants from the Waffen-SS led by Vladis Grutas.

Desperate for food and warmth in their dire circumstances, these men turn their menacing gaze towards Hannibal and Mischa. In the year 1952, Lithuania is under Soviet rule and Lecter Castle serves as an orphanage where Hannibal resides. Following a violent encounter with a bully, Lecter flees the orphanage and seeks refuge in Paris with his aunt, Lady Murasaki, who trains him in Japanese martial arts such as Kenjutsu. During his stay in France, Lecter excels as a pupil and at the age of a teenager, he commits his first homicide by beheading a local butcher who insulted his aunt using a katana sword. Inspector Pascal Popil, a French detective who also suffered the loss of his family during the war, suspects Lecter of the murder.