Hannibal the Conqueror (film)

Hannibal the Conqueror is a historical epic film based on the Second Punic War and is set in the 'Ancient Rome Cinematic Universe (ARCU). It is the first film of the Hannibal Trilogy'. The film takes place between 222-219 BC.

The film stars Vin Diesel, Denzel Washington, Penelope Cruz, Max Minghella, and Patrick Wilson. Like the rest of the ARCU, the film is mostly historically accurate, with some minor adjustments in order to make it cinematic.

Plot
After the defeat of Carthage in the First Punic War, commander Hamilcar Barca (Denzel Washington) and his Barcid legions, including his sons Hannibal (Vin Diesel), Hasdrubal Barca (John David Washington), Hasdrubal the Fair (Max Minghella), and Maharbal (Winston Duke), invade Spain. Rome is worried about these actions and keep a close eye. Hanno (Tony Shalhoub), a Carthaginian rival of Hamilcar, and military leader, attempts to persuade Hamilcar to not invade Spain.

Hannibal marries local Imilce (Penelope Cruz). Rome annexes Sardinia. Hamilcar dies after a naval chase, he tells his son to avenge the Romans. Hasdrubal the Fair, the son-in-law of Hamilcar, is named his heir. Hasdrubal the Fair leads the Barcids to defeat Iberian tribes, led by Orissus (Patrick Wilson).

There are a lot of political games going on between the Carthaginian Barcids (in Spain) and the mainland Carthaginians (in Spain). Hannibal defies Hasdrubal the Fair and wants to invade Rome, for what they did to Carthage in the First Punic War and how they annexed Sardinia. The Council of the Elders prove to be too pacifist for Hannibal's liking.

The Romans send an envoy to Carthage, led by Quintus Fabius Maximus (Gary Cole) and Quintus Tamphilus (Tom Gallop) to discuss peace with the Carthaginians regarding their encroachment on the Ebro river border and their nearby ally of the town of Saguntum. The talks fail, so the Romans travel to the Barcids in Spain and demand a cease and desist at Saguntum. Hannibal, who has taken over as leader, refuses.

The climax shows the fight at Saguntum. Hannibal is severely wounded, but lives. The Barcids take over Saguntum and cross the Ebro River.

Fabius Maximus and other senators return to Carthage and tell them that the Ebro River treaty has been ripped up, and they have declared war.

In the credits scene, Hannibal and his troops journey through the Alps onward to Rome.

Cast

 * Vin Diesel as Hannibal Barca
 * Denzel Washington as Hamilcar Barca
 * Penelope Cruz as Imilce
 * Max Minghella as Hasdrubal the Fair
 * Patrick Wilson as Orissus
 * Tony Shalhoub as Hanno
 * Gary Cole as Quintus Fabius Maximus
 * John David Washington as Hasdrubal Barca
 * Winston Duke as Maharbal
 * Tom Gallop as Quintus Tamphilus
 * Christopher Plummer as The Councillor
 * Bryan Brown as Lucius Aemilius Paullus

Sequel
The second film in the Hannibal Trilogy is Hannibal: Ascendancy.