Hannibal Rising THE MOVIE

I went to see Hannibal Rising this afternoon having finished reading the book a couple of days ago.

I have seen and heard where it got bad reviews.  Having read the book and being from the old school where the book is ALWAYS better, I feel this movie met the challenge of how to cram a 300 + page book into a 120+ page screen play.  Some things just had to be sacrificed and other things had to be altered to make the story flow.  I do feel it all worked out rather succesfully exept for one thing.  Hannibal should have released the ortolans!  It would have shown his compassionate side.  It worked in the book and I believe it would have worked in the movie. 

What I did notice was that had I not read the book their were subtle gestures in the movie that I would have missed or had no idea what they were about.  For example, and not to ruin for those who haven't seen the movie, that is dye Hannibal is injecting in the "lung" according to the book to to restore color lost when  the organ was stored in formaldehyde.  Then, moments later, that is supposed to be alcohol Hannibal injects into Milko's neck, but I would not have not known this unless I had read the book.

My suggestion.  If you are a Hannibal Lector Fan do go see this movie.  Gaspard Ulliel can go from being absolutely adorable to absolutely terrifying in just one quick twist of his upper lip. 

But read the book FIRST! Or, go see the movie then read the book.