ON FAITH & MEDIA | Hannibal Rising

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Hannibal Rising

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Source: Catholic News Service

Bland and brutal prequel to "Silence of the Lambs" that charts serial killer Hannibal Lecter's origins from his boyhood (played by Aaron Thomas) in Nazi-occupied Lithuania through early adulthood (played by Gaspard Ulliel), tracing his descent from traumatized youth -- having witnessed an unspeakable wartime crime involving his little sister -- to sadistic fiend who tracks down and kills the men responsible (including Rhys Ifans). Director Peter Weber's adaptation of Thomas Harris' fourth Lecter novel eschews psychological suspense for a more exploitative standard revenge formula without ever delving into the complexities of Hannibal's character or exploring the nature of evil, while its attempt to position its deranged protagonist, by pitting him against ex-Nazi-thugs, as a hero of sorts is troubling. Much bloody and sadistic violence, revenge themes with vigilante justice, grisly images including a decapitation, suggested cannibalism, some crude sexual references and a few instances of rough language. The USSCB Office for Film & Broadcasting is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions: Like Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, S.J., Cristóbal and his 24 companion martyrs lived under a very anti-Catholic government in Mexico, one determined to weaken the Catholic faith of its people. Churches, schools and seminaries were closed; foreign clergy were expelled. Cristóbal established a clandestine seminary at Totatiche, Jalisco. Magallanes and the other priests were forced to minister secretly to Catholics during the presidency of Plutarco Calles (1924-28).
<p>All of these martyrs except three were diocesan priests. David, Manuel and Salvador were laymen who died with their parish priest, Luis Batis. All of these martyrs belonged to the Cristero movement, pledging their allegiance to Christ and to the Church that he established to spread the Good News in society—even if Mexico's leaders once made it a crime to receive Baptism or celebrate the Mass. </p><p>These martyrs did not die as a single group but in eight Mexican states, with Jalisco and Zacatecas having the largest number. They were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later.</p>

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