I've been a fan of the franchise long before the show came into being, and it did not disappoint! I love how beautiful everything is shot despite all of the horror and gore. The motives and emotions are intricate and the acting is a thing to behold.
Yeah, the third season could use a bit more plot to buff out the poetry but really, I can't fault it much. This is also one of the very few shows that has had a satisfactory ending!
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ichsachmalso17 June 2020
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jack_o_hasanov_imdb9 August 2021After I started this series, my mouth was open, it was very good. I was amazed, the acting, the script, everything was perfect.
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planktonrules25 January 2015I am going to say something heretical, so hold on to your seats. I thought that the Hannibal Lecter character in the movie "Silence of the Lambs" was extremely overrated. Subtle, he was NOT, that's for sure. Because of this, I really, really like the new incarnation of the doctor in this Bryan Fuller series. He is sophisticated, clever and, most importantly, a credible villain--not some bizarro dude going on about chianti and fava beans! In fact, the sophistication and style of this show is why I think it's a winner.
I must point out, however, that "Hannibal" is NOT a show for everyone. Children should NEVER watch it nor should people who are sensitive and would be upset or offended by the carnage in the shows. Some of them are REALLY tough to watch--such as the mushroom people or the angels. Now I am NOT saying don't watch it--but maybe you should use common sense and not watch. Or, do like my daughter does, just avert your eyes when the gore hits a particularly high level...and it often does!
Very well written, acted and directed--this is almost too good for network TV.
FYI--My daughter has the Blu-Ray for season one. According to her, some of the shows are MUCH more graphic on DVD--such as the one with the musical instrument killer. -
Having seen the films based on Thomas Harris' novels, I couldn't for the life of me imagine an actor other than Anthony Hopkins for the role of Hannibal Lecter (although I had seen - and liked - Brian Cox' take on the character in Michael Mann's 'Manhunter' which was released before 'The Silence of the Lambs'). Apart from that, I didn't see the point in retelling a story that had already been told very well on film – and with outstanding actors. For those reasons, I deprived myself of the pleasure of watching 'Hannibal' until the second season of the show started - but boy: am I glad I finally got over myself and did start!
To those who haven't watched it for the same reasons I didn't I can only say: knowing the storyline from the films (or the books) doesn't spoil this in the least; the writers cleverly play with your expectations and they have taken enough liberties that you can never tell what is going to happen. And Mads Mikkelsen makes for a terrific Hannibal. The cat and mouse play between him and Hugh Dancy's Will Graham is a thrilling joy to watch; the conversations between the two are an example of surgically precise writing where every word counts and could - literally – be a concealed weapon (the writing in general is top notch, especially the dialogues).
Visually, this series is unlike anything I've ever seen; the opulence of the images seems to be directly inspired by the aesthetic of oil paintings; whenever food is served or you see the interior of Hannibal's mansion you're reminded of still lives from the Dutch Baroque; certain dreams, visions and hallucinations even recall the works of Hieronymus Bosch. Don't get me wrong: first and foremost this is a gory crime show about an exceptionally well educated and highly intelligent serial killer (and not some "art show") – albeit one with a very unique look.
My verdict: 'Hannibal' offers gory thrills along with amazing images, fascinating characters and an outstanding cast. Perhaps the most visual – and visually daring – crime show ever. 9 stars out of 10.
Favorite films: http://www.IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/
Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/
Favorite Low-Budget and B-movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/
Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/ -
rlranallo1 August 2020Mads and Hugh are perfect for the roles they capture in this series. They balance that fine line of love and disgust and adoration for one another - it's so beautifully done I just wish this would of continued on after season 3 Definitely not for the weak hearted in regards to gore
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ring_girl_alexa18 November 2016This is more than a TV show, it is a work of art. The cinematography is amazing, it is filmed beautifully and every image is a well-thought-out picture. The dialogues are deep and full of subtle meaning, as the characters mostly try to understand each other's way of thinking or try to manipulate one another.
Throughout the series Hannibal and Will get to know and understand each other and as a viewer you get to experience the same thought processes, as empathy is a major theme in the show.
The images with dead people are so horrific but gorgeous at the same time that you find yourself mesmerized by the beauty of death. Also, the series finale is in my opinion one of the best ever. It is truly an amazing show. -
lucreciaa4 July 2020This show is exactly what I have been waiting for. It's unique, beautifully dark, and incredibly artistic and every sense of the word. The entire cast are amazing incredible actors! Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal Lecter, who knew someone could portray him better than Anthony Hopkins. I've seen all three seasons over and over again and I am not bored! All I could ever ask for is a season foue and hopefully many more!
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cahuengaconfidential13 April 2013Anthony Hopkins can be proud of having created one of the first original horror characters of the postwar era. His Dr. Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter has rightfully earned a place in the pantheon of legendary monsters. Hopkins was only the second actor to have won an Academy Award for playing a villain, the first being Fredric March for his remarkable performance in the rarely-seen "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1931). The American Film Institute lists Hopkins' Lecter as the #1 screen villain in movie history.
When I first heard about "Hannibal" the TV series, I cringed. Each installment in the film franchise had been exponentially worse than the one before. After Ridley Scott, Brett Ratner, Peter Webber--and even Thomas Harris himself--had tortured Hannibal near to death with their increasingly idiotic sequels to "Silence of the Lambs," a TV series seemed like the sad, humiliating final nail in the doctor's coffin. Would this be "Dexter" redux, or another numbingly unoriginal CSI ripoff? Or worse, a tedious 5-season story arc following the personal trials of a young, idealistic, ruggedly handsome, perfectly stubbled Lecter as he spends 65 television hours' worth of time that I will never get back transitioning from noble psychiatrist to vengeful but justified killer? (Note to self: cock hammer, place barrel against temple, pull trigger.) Thankfully, "Hannibal" is everything I expected it not to be.
I wasn't sure Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen--or any actor, for that matter--could play such an iconic character without being overshadowed by its grand progenitor (i.e., Hopkins), however "Hannibal" is so beautifully written, acted and directed that it transcends the inevitable comparisons. Hopkins played Lecter with hellish glee. He was the serial killer as prankster, a thinking man's Joker without the facial scars. Mikkelsen's Lecter is quieter and deadlier. He's almost like an alien predator, or a velociraptor in human form. When he smiles, you're probably about to die. Mikkelsen is chilling, funny, and blazingly brilliant. He totally makes the role his own, but that's not to take anything away from Anthony Hopkins. Asking who makes the better Lecter is like asking who's the best Dracula, Lugosi or Lee. They're both great, they're just different.
I dislike police procedurals. They bore me. But "Hannibal" is different. There's something special about it. Bryan Fuller respects the characters and he understands the fans. He's given Lecter his first legitimate resurrection since "Silence of the Lambs," and I am completely hooked. (And to think that we still have Eddie Izzard and Gillian Anderson to look forward to!)
Fantastic show. High kudos to NBC for having the courage to air it. -
Many will argue that Hopkins is "the best and only" Hannibal, much like folk declare allegiance to Bond actors. But I like to think of each incarnation as seperate and of its time. There's no doubting that Hugh Dancy's Will Graham is streets ahead of Ed Norton's earlier portayal. Hannibal is easily my favourite Lector telling. It benefits from two things; The depth of field afforded the story by being a TV series and the ability to tap and reference the rich tapestry of what's went before. Hannibal the TV series is exceptional, a prequel that feeds directly into a narrative that feels fresh and yet familiar. Because of the intricacies of the known characters it plays out like a chess game. Intelligence is sexy, murder is horrifying... Sexy horrifying is so alluring as an entertainment form. The visual effects of this are mind blowing. I've never seen horror be filmed as artistically as this outside of Penny Dreadful. For 3 seasons this show thrilled and entertained. Now we are anticipating a 4th season to emerge from the gloom of Covid-19. Let's hope its writers have learned everything the original 3 seasons took in from the previous incarnations. Let's hope we remain horrified, mesmerised and even rooting for the biggest and baddest anti hero of Modern Horror.
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masters-mind-team25 February 2015First of all, this has the BEST script EVER! a script worth to be learned by heart, the delivery, the word choice are so aesthetic.
Then, the story is compelling, the BRUTALITY is tempting, the Music is fascinating, the elegance is inspiring, the cooking is appetizing ...
Hannibal characterizes the natural perfection, his facial expression is so cold and lifeless yet shines with an unearthly abnormal confidence. He's a multiskilled person who has an encyclopedic knowledge, He honors his carcasses by displaying them in an artful piece and also by not wasting their organs.
This series will make you have several EYEGASMS and EARGASMS !
This is not for the simple minded half wits of course !!! -
Disclaimer - I didn't read the book(s)
Season 1 is what you would expect from description and themes, pretty linear, pretty straightforward. There is a criminal of the week, crimes were over the top but interesting to follow. Hannibal is a looming shadow in the background until some realizations are made and the tables are flipped, not the most original idea but it works well
Season 2 is essentially in-prison and out-prison bargaining, and I wished it lasted longer honestly. With some more criminals of the week to fill up the space and some shocking moments, topped with a finale which is rightfully rated as the best episode of the show. 9/10
So Season 3 imo was the weakest of the three, 5/10, here's why:- there were no more villains of the week, but rather villains of the first half and second half of the season and the latter was just a waste of time and space from start to finish, no one could've made that look good, the main reason why I watched last 5 episodes or so on double speed, and even that wasn't enough
- there is a lot of dialogue, not much from what was said really resonated with me. Lots of psychoanalyzing, seemed superficial and a way to fill up space. There is a lot of standing, sitting and talking, a jarring contrast to dynamic pacing of both previous seasons
- in s3 there were too many characters to keep track of - Italian police and the rest of Italians, Chiyoh, Verger household, Molly and her son, Reba, Dolarhyde plus everyone previously introduced, it's a lot and really nobody got a conclusive story here and I still have lots of questions. Half of them served very little purpose, not one interesting person was introduced
- Characters repeat the same mistakes over and over?
- so the finale. I laughed, I actually laughed. I lost patience with whatever's up with Will Graham somewhere around half of this season and didn't feel like diving deep. Needless to say, the final episode didn't really strike a cord here, except Hannibal's (and Will 's honestly) final (?) threats. An open ending, something I usually find not liking very much
All in all, Hannibal Lecter gives this show a 5 solid stars and the plot shifts for the last season, some loved it, I didn't. One final pet peeve - for a show filled with horrors people survive a lot of injuries with little to no consequences. -
BladeSparkles14 February 2020Truly superb writing, casting, acting, direction and editing. This show is a work of art. If you can, please watch in a quiet, intimate setting to truly appreciate the elegant horror being served. I have never been as impressed with a series as I am with this one. It's very surprising that a show this dark was on network television, I can't see the NBC viewer appreciating such darkness. I'm preparing for a second viewing of all the seasons. It was perfection to the very end.
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EntrEsprit30 December 2022This show bothered me quite a lot through its course. Partially it concerns basic things like plot holes, plot armor, and partially it concerns staging/setting of the scenes, god it was so awful at times. E.g. The way Tobias dealt with 2 armed police officers while Will was out of the house; how Georgia Madchen character accidentally find Hannibal while he was killing the doctor; how doctor Gideon escaped from custody; this list can go on and on. Also how a lot and i mean A LOT of these creative leisurely made murders happened in open areas or in office, court hall, concert hall and there's no witnesses or security cameras, or anything at all that would give a hint on the criminal.
FBI/police/convoy is the absolute worst in this show, apparently because there are a lot of cases where the character needs to not be caught or to escape and the writers couldn't do anything better than to make the opposition look like useless bunch of corpses. Taking into consideration Hannibal's cleverness when it comes to committing and covering his crimes, he still has a pretty thick plot armor in this story and could've been caught or even killed in season 2 already.
I'd like to add that i wasn't a fan of some season 1 episodes, where we dealing with random psychopath murderers or kidnapper and it wasn't in any important way connected to the main story. It just felt off in comparison with more cohesive plotlines we were going through in that season such as Chesapeake Ripper's case and Abigail's story.
Season 3 was another messy, flawed, all over the place season, which i didn't really enjoy. But i guess the finale was justified taking into account what this show was mostly about in the first place.
To sum it up i absolutely hate how casually and sloppily things are happening in this show, it throws me off of that serious dark horror/thriller i'm watching. I had the lack of immersion into the atmosphere this show was trying to create. It's a case of personal preference, but i love when crime/thriller stories are made with a dark, grim, but what's important down to earth and realistic feeling to it. Not really the case with "Hannibal", because some of the situations this show creates are not like that at all.
Now moving to the positives, i have to say cinematography in this show is top notch, that is for sure one of the great aspects this show has. I also like how unique soundtrack is, it's different from anything else you could possibly hear in this genre of films. As to the acting, i feel like all the shows' actors did their job pretty well, especially Mads Mikkelsen who was a great fit in his role, and Hugh Dancy, who had not an easy character to portray, but he totally nailed it. What i also appreciate is that this show definitely managed to create its own distinctive style and tone which separates it from other regular shows.
And finally i'd like to emphasize the peak season of this show, which is season 2. Season 2 was undeniably the best season out of all three. It's nowhere near perfect, but last few episodes of the season were really good, especially the finale. The finale of season 2 is the highlight of the show for me: the dialogue, the running clock on the background, the build-up, and the climax, everything about it was great. If the series held that high standard at least throughout most of its run i would rate it much higher, but it is what it is. -
This show starts off interesting. An interesting murder gets solved, a second one in the next episode. But after a while the show gets so twisted it becomes hard to believe and even seems like a joke.
- The murders are all gruesome and weird as if the murderers want to make a piece of art with the crime scene and body. After the 5th episode, it's a bit funny that they stumble upon wicked and weird crime scene every single day, like regular murders don't happen anymore.
- The main character (Will) gets these super accurate visions of how the crime occurred just because he is extremely emphatic. At first, it's believable: he's just some kind of genius who can put himself in the mind of the killer and deduce from that. But sometimes, oh man, it's like the facts are pulled out of nowhere. I think Will is actually a spirit medium and goes in contact with the dead to know exactly what happened.
- Thinking about it, Will is the ONLY investigator the FBI has and his visions are their only resource to catch the killer. Where are the investigations, like finding clues, profiling suspects or interrogating witnesses? FBI doesn't need that. They just need Will's vision and they end up EASILY finding the bad guy. lol
- Will gets these INSANE hallucinations, blackouts and cannot distinguish between vision or reality -- HE GETS COMPLETELY NUTS-- yet his boss is like, whatever I'll watch over him, he'll be fine and lets him work as an investigator for the FBI. Anyone in their right mind would say "I think you need some vacation Will".
- Lecter is Will's psychiatrist, yet the more time passes the more Will goes insane. Nobody cares? Nobody asks Lecter "What the **** is going on with Will" and nobody questions Lecter's competence to treat Will's illness. He's a psychiatrist, he knows what he's doing, but the fact is that will is literally going insane in front of their eyes and nobody cares. lol
At first, this show appears to be clever and interesting, but when really thinking about it, it's actually pretty silly and dumb. -
gk30300728 June 2020I remember watching this show while my friend and i used to commute. What started as a casual timepass soon turned out addict, and we couldn't wait watching a couple of episodes everyday.
Good acting by primary and side casts. But its the antagonist who stole the show. Mads Mikkelson had surpassed everyone with his quirky acting and frantic skills. I mean we used to feel pity on his victims but that never changed our mind to hate him.
A must watch. -
ryanwinning19 July 2020Before watching this series I wondered "Why in the world would they try to recreate the Hannibal movie series? It's been done! It's over! No one can replace Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal!!" Boy was I wrong. Mads Mikkelsen shows off some seriously unique acting chops throughout this entire series! I absolutely hated him in the Bond film Casino Royale(In a good way!) I hated him because he was so twisted, evil, smart and cunning as the villain and all those traits are magnified throughout the 39 episodes of this series. It's gruesome and horrifically violent and even though I was cringing because it seems so realistic I was simultaneously wildly-entertained all the while! There simply isn't enough time to tell the full Hannibal story over 3 movies and appreciate all the details so I realize now this 3 season series is entirely justified. As someone who's suffered with ADHD for most of my life I also appreciate the mental health aspect behind this series. with the time of a TV series you get a chance to go under the hood of Hannibal the psychiatrist and in a 2-hour hollywood movie there just isn't enough time to dig deep into mental health in what separates Special FBI agents, serial killers or average ordinary people. I found the whole series thought provoking and very interesting.
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If you're wondering, this drama does not follow the story line of the previous Hannibal film franchise. However, it does not mean that the series doesn't pack its own punch in terms of tension and suspense. (I'm in such awe, I feel inadequate trying to leave a review for this show. I won't reveal any more than what is available on the wikipedia page.)
Following protagonist Agent Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) into his mind and peering into the distorted lives and actions of serial killers, he comes across as a highly intelligent but often conflicted man, tormented by his own imagination and yet has to live it each day for the greater good.
This sense of vulnerability and instability caused by his personality (largely introverted and antisocial) is preyed upon by his psychiatrist, famed Hannibal Lecter, excellently portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, and as all this is played out, the audience, privy to this knowledge will be gripped by suspense, and the never ending tension, even on scenes where nothing appears to be happening, the mood takes on a somber and tense tone.
For those who are concerned with the relative 'low level of gore', be patient. It takes its time to build and slowly escalate, bringing Graham deeper into the shadows and mental torment.
I can't emphasize how good the acting is, how vivid and artistic the abstract dream and killing sequences are. the fact that the soundtracks are well selected and not obnoxious all plays a part in creating one of the best viewing experiences ever. As a fan of psychological horror, I feel privileged to be able to take a small peek at this show ahead of broadcast. -
westerlund1-2628 February 2020I don't know how many time I've watched it, it's just a master piece. The visual is incredible and the casting and character are sooooo great. Bryan Fuller is such an artist I love him for giving us this show.
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cgray56051 July 2020Blown away; the acting, writing, cinematography, just perfect!! Mads Mikkelsen is a genius.
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UniqueParticle11 February 2020Visually arresting to watch especially with the soothing music and incredible acting! Hugh Dancy is electrifying, I love the way he solves crime scenes and the fact he seems to have Asperger's which I have too. The nightmares are spellbinding and visual effects are one of my favorite things ever done! Hannibal is written with brilliance throughout; I'm so hooked to this charming elegant show.
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Vincentiu26 December 2014it has the rare gift to be an absolutely new series about an old subject. that, it is a well made, almost admirable psychological movie who dares reconstruct the story of Dr. Lecter in a superb manner. must important - it seems be a film of actors. Mads Mikkelsen is the same, exploring and using with high science, each detail, transform each image in a profound precious job. but Hugh Dancy could be a real revelation for many viewers. Hannibal does it using entire potential. he impress, gives a fascinating mixture of vulnerability and force and the result is special. more than a smart/beautiful series, exercise to discover the potential of a subject in new light, it is a wise series. almost a surgery job.
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RodolfoLasparri9 June 2020It's all been said here.
But must add that Hugh Dancy's over acting (Will Graham) brings the show from a solid 8 down to a 7, or 6 if he has too much screen time.
He's on the verge of breakdown in every other scene. Sweats, shakes, etc....ech.
Mads Mikkelsen as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, cures all ills though. Fantastic.
Love the gay guy from Kids in the Hall, Scott Thompson. Does a great job with mix of a serious and classic comedic relief character, a crime scene investigator. -
danesemilio2 December 2018The first season feels more like a prelude of what's to come. A introduction to the characters of sort. Regardless, it's some of the best tv I've seen (season 2 & 3 far exceed it.), what a show.
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Good God would someone please kill that b!+ch off or put her in her f'n place!?
Absolutely ridiculous, annoying and absurd that this annoying a$$ journalist woman gets to prance around, obstruct justice, tamper with evidence, slip past 10 cops & FBI agents to start questioning people in the middle of a crime scene, break laws left and right and NO COP OR FBI AGENT does a damn thing about it even though they can't stand her! Somehow they're powerless against her!? What f'n sense does this make and on what f'n planet would this be allowed to happen? Oh right, feminist Hollywood! That irritated me and made me want to skip ahead everytime she was on screen... that wasn't the least bit realistic! She and Abigail were just horrible character in this series.
I can only be asked to suspend disbelief for so long... -
writevjnow-IMDB27 October 2022I bought series 1-3 secondhand BluRay, quite cheaply, and expected to enjoy them as I have read and own Thomas Harris's novels and I own the BluRays of the films based on them which I have watched several times. I have managed to get through season 1 but it is going, with the unwatched others, to the charity shop .
Presumably the makers call this series Hannibal as an audience hook (it worked with me) because it is really about Will Graham.
What I found really wrong about it is the repetition, the constant flashbacks, the dream scenes ad nauseam, and although I am never fazed by anything I see in a thriller or horror movie, I found the repetitive focus on the atrocities performed on victims somewhat akin to torture porn and somewhat trashy.
The writing is poor because it is all padded out with repetition. Scene after scene of Hannibal preparing meals, serving meals, eating meals... Not a series for vegetarians! If you compare this series with the movies starring Anthony Hopkins and Ralph Fiennes you may note that it lacks the tension, it's all right in your face with no surprises. There is nothing sophisticated about the plot at all. It's boring. In fact, I watched much of it on fast speed because I was missing nothing.
Had to laugh at one scene where someone, it was decided, had killed themselves. Amazing. It would be physically impossible to do it the way it was done but, hey, never mind, it made for another gorily spectacular scene.