Ang Lee's Hulk - A Misunderstood Tragedy

[@HiTopFilms]

Much love to everyone trying to heal their Inner Hulk. Use HITOP to get 55% off your first month at Scentbird sbird.co/4bMpvxD

[@speedy2337]

Hey, it has been a while since i visited this channel. How is the Jason Todd movie going?

[@ericafg3746]

Absolutely 💯 brilliant 👏 great video Alex this is simply the best breakdown and review of this movie 🎬 I loved this movie when it first came out in 2003 and I love it even more today..

[@DumbSteezyy]

alex, sir, you are a legend

[@kimmypfeiffer9130]

i have always substituted eric bana for mark ruffalo #notmyhulk when i replay the avengers movies in my head...and i think he and scarjo had better chemistry...doubt me? check out the other bolyn girl!

[@thomas2082]

you think the acting in this is good that's hilarious, you know there are explosions in good movies too right?

[@anubusx]

You wouldn't like me when i'm Ang Lee.

[@kurfew7168]

Roll credits

[@drchristophe207]

Damn that’s good. That’s like really good.

[@anubusx]

@@kurfew7168 lol.

[@andrewblissett2211]

You win

[@anonymouslyunknown4811]

Isn't that line from the honest trailer lol😂

[@bensneb360]

Ang Lee tried to do for the Hulk what Christopher Nolan ended up doing for Batman, he wanted to make a grounded character study about a tortured and complex character… such an underrated flick, one of my favorites, I hope to see another Hulk movie like this someday

[@kennethlaurie7809]

I hope so too

[@dericjames2018]

This Hulk film was ahead of it's time and 2003 audience weren't ready for this.

[@leaderofnoone9087]

​@@dericjames2018 I got into arguments growing up with my sister about this movie trying to defend this movie, because she hated this movie. But I understand now why people back then don't like this movie, and still don't like this movie nowadays. But in my opinion this is a great movie.

[@kiillabytez]

The only thing he tortured was his audience.

[@brandonspain12345]

​@@kiillabytez Ooh, we got a comedian over here. 🙄

[@TheRagheb95]

As a troubled child, and a troubled adult, this made me cry. Thank you

[@matthewschmidt5069]

Christ, the Lord can totally relate and offer the peace beyond all understanding, friend

[@tevisohara9795]

@@matthewschmidt5069no he can’t

[@matthewschmidt5069]

@@tevisohara9795 why not friend?

[@adriannicolas6594]

traumas can break you or can give you strange, but it always hurt so fucking much man

[@AzayBae]

I always liked this Hulk for the same reasons. Especially the fact that the father was the monster.

[@SpacemanSR]

This movie really stuck with me as a kid, and as a lifelong Hulk fan, nothing has captured the psychotic energy quite like this movie.

[@somerandolad]

It's the only one that made an attempt to portray the Hulk's raw power on screen.

[@Eking-su3tr]

Bro facts This movie made me love the hulk …also gave me nightmares too I can’t lie lol

[@theepicthree123]

@@Eking-su3tr Literally same I had my parents paint my room green and it gave a me nightmares afterward and they had to paint it back 😂😂😂

[@kiillabytez]

Rabid mutant poodles. That's all I'm gonna say.

[@calebdouglas7622]

Agreed and 21 years later it still stood the test of time.

[@maxfordgaming9278]

Words cannot express how happy I am that this film is getting the respect it deserves. The best live action hulk hands down, nothing will ever top ang Lee's hulk, not only is this the most accurate hulk in terms of abilities but it also treats hulk as a character and not just some spectacle.

[@justinarzola4584]

The MCU only focuses on the "monster" fighting other super strong guys and rampaging but completely ignore why that "Monster is so angry in the first place, That's where the psychological complexity of The hulk comes in place, but The MCU thinks people are too pea brained to grasp those concepts and want to only market to kids.

[@grimesdon5k850]

Facts

[@taqresu5865]

I would also argue that this is the most accurate depiction of the Hulk, period. The generational trauma Bruce had with this father has been a key aspect of Bruce's origin since at least the '80s comics.

[@DelsinRaw]

This movie is goood, it focuses on a more personal story for bruce and hulk, im just glad it exists

[@freakkyser]

Deadass, It wasn't until I delve more into Stan Lee's inspiration for the Hulk did I realize how complex the character is, that Bruce really considers him a curse that'll just bring pain, it was a fresh take

[@realsanmer]

I will always respect infinitely more a film made to appeal to just one person, than a movie made to appeal to everyone.

[@nazxln]

The only way to achieve an universal message, you must talk about what's beside you.

[@Vek_Zythe]

I will quote you one day when I'm defending good media from morons. I will start with "A wise person once said."

[@nazxln]

@@Vek_Zythe thanks, mate!

[@ThePonderer]

I adore this film. When someone pointed out that Hulk in this film works as a metaphor for bipolar disorder, it blew my mind. I’ve largely been…fine, with Hulk in the MCU, but it’s crazy that Mark Ruffalo’s never been given this level of dramatic material to dig into after 12 years in the role.

[@MediaLoverChris02]

Ruffalo from Avengers 1 and 2 to Ragnarok was perfect

[@ThePonderer]

@@MediaLoverChris02 he was perfect for his role as part of a larger ensemble, and personally I’ll always defend how he was handled in Endgame too, but the meaty character work that Bana was given is on another level.

[@dylanhopkins5934]

@@MediaLoverChris02 Perfectly garbage. He was good in Avengers 1 then it was down hill from there.

[@MediaLoverChris02]

@@dylanhopkins5934 He was better in Avengers 2. In fact, Avengers 2 is a better movie than Avengers 1.

[@dylanhopkins5934]

@thegoodreylo4749 you can argue that avengers 2 is a better movie overall, but hulk wasn't a better character than in avengers 1. He wasn't terrible like he is now but he wasn't as good as the first avengers movie.

[@doomguydemonkiller]

Ang Lee’s Hulk > MCU Hulk. I love this film and it the definite Hulk experience. It’s straight out of Peter David’s run on the character.

[@Darienbaker01]

Nobody could ever make me dislike this film. Sure, some of the CGI is goofy but that doesn’t take away from how well it’s crafted. Absorbing man being so hell-bent on taking Bruce’s power, only to immediately reject it when Bruce lets him have it is an incredible full circle moment that has stuck in my mind since I was a little boy

[@fraughtmonster8]

I always hated that they never mentioned the multiple personality disorder in the MCU

[@CesarLopez-rs1vg]

Honestly. It’s like the core reason he was able to split into the hulk so easily

[@the_selchies]

They just avoided Hulk’s core character traits and what makes him interesting after the first Avengers. I don’t mind Hulk and Bruce finding a way to coexist but to have it be done off screen in endgame was devastating lol

[@Byronic19134]

@@the_selchiesThat’s what was going on during Infinity War I’m not sure what people think they needed to show onscreen.

[@Alvaro_El_Herrero]

They did.

[@gangleri1358]

It was hint at in She Hulk. Just two or three sentences. Bruce wondered and asked why Jennifer was in control from the start and if there wasn't someone like "the other guy" in him. She said no and Bruce was confused. That's it, nothing more.

[@Neutral_Tired]

I just started reading Immortal Hulk today. That's a fun coincidence. Considering I've basically only known The Hulk since it was canonised that he has DID, the character is heavily rooted in themes of childhood trauma and mental illness to me. And that made this film really work to me pretty much from the first time I saw it.

[@scarigamez]

I rewatched this film after reading Immortal Hulk, and it made everything hit so much harder under that lense, especially Hulk's scenes specifically. The kid is in so much pain and sadness it hurts.

[@antdujar]

A great 50 issue run, and a great expansion on everything that Peter David, Paul Jenkins and Bruce Jones explored with some Kirby horror roots. A beautiful book! And a solid extension of the 2003 movie in a way.

[@thisbubblygoodness7611]

so glad someone brought up Immortal Hulk, its one of my favourite comic book runs ever honestly, Banner's personalities were amazing to follow along and the artwork reminds me so much of 'The Thing' and HP Lovecraft, a combination that works so well yet I never would have considered that before, such a good read

[@justinarzola4584]

Immortal Hulk ties up everything i Love about the Hulk in a nice package,the best hulk comic since world war hulk.

[@Ash-Winchester]

I find it very hard to believe that the immortal hulk run wasn't influenced by ang lee's film. There's that issue that introduces the below place, the place all gamma mutates go when they die, and we're introduced to the one below and the form he takes is a giant green cloud with a face in it. And I remember after reading that I was thinking, "why does that look so familiar" and I remembered the take it all scene in the film where david turns into a green cloud that resembles his own face and I went "ok, there is no way that's just a coincidence."

[@taqresu5865]

The most fascinating part about this is that Ang Lee didn't pull this storyline out of nowhere. The trauma of abuse was already a key aspect of Hulk's origin story. In the comics, Brian Banner (Bruce's father) was first introduced in a issue from 1981. Brian actually had a father (ironically named Bruce as well) who abused him and Brian continued that cycle of violence, there's a lot to Brian's story, but likewise, Brian killed his wife in front of Bruce, and the Trauma led to Bruce having DID. Ang Lee actually tapped into this aspect of his origin story. And one of the failings of the MCU Hulk is choosing not to explore it. No mention of Bruce's trauma, nothing about his father Brian. All we got was a quick montage and a "6 years later" title card. Which is unfortunate because the MCU was never granted the opportunity to make a second solo Hulk film, and we know the MCU was capable of handling these themes because Tony's story delves into some of them (immediately before and after the Incredible Hulk film, no less). Imo, the Hulk is one of the most poorly handled characters in the MCU, especially in Thor Ragnarok, Avengers Infinity War, Avengers Endgame, and She-Hulk.

[@petermj1098]

Brian Banner/Devil Hulk is way more interesting in the comics. Nick Notle was too over the top and David Banner had no good motivation as a villian. I thought and enjoyed the rest of the movie but Nick Nolte/David Banner stuff was not as good as Brian Banner’s story from the comics.

[@taqresu5865]

@@petermj1098 Fair enough, the comics Brian Banner is a very interesting character. But I will get Ang Lee's Hulk the credit of actually addressing this story. In the MCU Brian didn't even get a name drop. We got a montage beginning with the Gamma experiment with an emphasis on the Hulk's destructive power and Ross' chase. Sure there are brief mentions regarding Banner's mental health, but nothing that elaborate. Even a Scarlet Witch nightmare would have been nice...

[@AzayBae]

@@taqresu5865 Ooh if they had the balls to have had Scarlet Witch's illusion that made Hulk go mad in Age of Ultron be him seeing his father... it would have been a powerful scene. Shame MCU Hulk is so hard to see as more than a joke now.

[@taqresu5865]

@@AzayBae Indeed. They used most of the other Scarlet Witch's dreams act as insights to these characters, even Black Widow, whose dream was a traumatic memory of a similar sort. Overall, the Hulk's role in Age of Ultron. That romance with Natasha felt forced, and they didn't do a great job setting up his escape to Sakaar. But it would have been amazing if they had hinted at Brian Banner, and if they made that a tease for a solo Hulk film. There's just so many missed opportunities with the Hulk. The first film foreshadowed the Leader, they eventually brought back Ross, but he only mentioned Hulk once when pitching the Sakovia Accords, they butchered the Planet Hulk storyline to be a comedic pit stop for Thor Ragnarok, they ditched whatever they were trying to do with the Hulk in Infinity War... in favor of a rushed, poorly executed version of "Professor" Hulk in Endgame. And the show, She-Hulk, was the biggest insult to the fans, ever... Not only that, but we won't ever get the chance to see Hulk and Ben Grimm together as hilarious rivals (not with the direction already taken by the MCU). It was something captured quite well in Earth's Mightiest Heroes. The list of missed opportunities just goes on...

[@doclouis4236]

The sincerity of Ang Lee's Hulk is what elevates the quality of the film and what will make it age better compared to the irony-poisoned MCU Hulk.

[@zagariasbooysen7401]

This has always been my favorite Hulk film. The thing i love the most about this Hulk is how he keeps growing Bigger and Bigger the more Angery he gets.

[@justinarzola4584]

They should have kept that in the MCU, Hulk getting bigger and angrier is a cool concept like the raimi movies having peter with organic web shooters.

[@kevinskywalker5539]

​@@justinarzola4584, actually he's done growing in hulk. First hulk change, he was 9 feet. Second change made him 12 feet. The 3rd change is 15 feet tall, and kept the same. He'd be very big like a giant if he continued to grow like you wanted.

[@Julio-uz7iy]

One of the most underrated hulk films imo. The score is haunting but sad, action scenes still hold up to this day, And the tragic story of Bruce banner as well as the hulk is unmatched. Really hope we see Eric Bana’s hulk in secret wars!

[@BestOneEver247]

"Really hope we see Eric Bana’s hulk in secret wars!" hold on buddy you might wanna dodge a bullet and eat those words of yours

[@oversizedigloo]

No i refuse to let them ruin this for me

[@BestOneEver247]

@@oversizedigloo Exactly my thoughts

[@gabrielmcmillan]

@@BestOneEver247Who knows? A few years ago, the idea of three Spider-Men appearing in one movie seemed unthinkable to a lot of people.

[@raynwolfsbane2084]

That one line..."puny human", still scares the shit out of me. THAT Hulk would've given Thanos a thrashing.

[@araindog1657]

I have always adored this film.

[@Ryanaireee]

Me too

[@DavidMartinez-ce3lp]

Same here. I used to watch this movie over and over again in DVD.

[@wheniztheend]

same, and I've always been confused with people's hate for it..

[@araindog1657]

@@wheniztheend Same!! And maybe I’m crazy but I wayyy prefer this over 2008 Hulk, I honestly feel like it’s a little overhyped in the community

[@SpyroTheGerudo]

This was my Hulk movie as a kid!!!! No irony is needed to state how much I love the film, warts and all. It’s so dark, so bleak, but it also may be one of the most impactful and different from anything that has ever come out. It is surreal to watch any movie that challenges you this way, but it is downright wild that a superhero blockbuster is the very film to ask such big and profound questions on trauma. I was a little older first seeing it, confused by just about everything. As an adult it is a special movie for being a rare dive into an artist’s unfiltered vision

[@ethankillion786]

I appreciated that it took the emotional aspect seriously. The Hulk really feels like an out of control curse on Bruce Banner that destroys his old life completely. The MCU Hulk feels very tame in comparison, more like the Looney Tunes Tasmanian Devil. Visually though it's pretty goofy. The comic book transitions and split screens make the whole thing feel a bit artificial even though the tone is more grim and serious.

[@julien3331]

The comic book transition is what makes the movie great ! It's so creative and original

[@Weezing336]

I don't know what people have against color. Hulk's colors are beautiful, exotic and bursting with life. In fact the movie looks a lot like the Hulk comics I read in the late 90's and early 2000's. The lighting and cinematography plays its role gorgeously. I miss surrealism in superhero movies and action in general. And yeah, the music is great. The video game is underrated.

[@SonicFan-z7c]

Your ability to express your feelings about such a variety of topics from spiderman to your mental state is something that I one day hope to learn.

[@matrixman117edits7]

Hey! I’m the guy who did the Exploding Frogs Cut online. Thanks so much for making this video. There’s a lot of elements that come to mind here for me: The score, the emotional depth, the acting, the action. What else can I bring up? The film’s gotten better with age. It’s by no means perfect, but treats the character’s themes of mental health and tragedy with the respect they deserve. I’m happy to see people joining the conversation of discussion as time goes on.

[@Sensei.Of.Kivotos]

I wish I can meet Ang Lee and say it to his face how much I appreciate this movie to him both as a kid and an adult experiencing this movie. It’s a masterpiece, always has been. Just want everyone behind this movie to know that. Always waited for you to talk about this movie.

[@lazychild3]

Something extremely spooky I want to mention about the appearances of each hulk is Hulk(2003) was the most vibrant, colorful yet emotional version of the character and yet when you look at every one after it just gets murkier and murkier until theres nothing but a pale hollow shell of a former beloved giant. Its honestly alittle haunting how visually you can see the decay.

[@sahilhossain8204]

Indeed you can see the visual decay like I have as well

[@Lucki-4Me]

I adored this movie as a child. This hulk felt like HULK to me. The big green giant put straight to film and to this day I still think he is the best hulk put to screen. I would've loved to see him vs Thanos instead.

[@JdeMolay]

I coincidentally just rewatched this the other day! This movie is underrated as hell! Such a wonderfully energetic and original storytelling style, Lee really experiments with the frame. And the parent-child relationships between Bruce/David and Betty/Ross felt so real. They don't make movies like this anymore.

[@jakfan09]

3 minutes in this and I already feel like crying. Damn. You're such a great storyteller.

[@DavidMartinez-ce3lp]

I've never found this movie boring. I used to have it on DVD, and i would watch it over and over again. Never get tired of it.

[@IndianaKong95]

Godzilla: Minus One is a movie that proved you can create an incredibly compelling human drama grounded in reality while also having big monster who smashes things and make it work inside that realm of elevated storytelling and spectacle. The blending of such genres is a difficult task, but when that chord is struck, it is pure euphoria. It's the type of fantasy I love most from my fiction, and is not dead nor dying off. Beautiful art never does.

[@IanDanielCassidy]

I like Godzilla Minus One. Minus One Godzilla is a giant Irradiated Dinosaur-like Amphibious Reptile. Heights: 15 meters tall and 50.1 meters tall (irradiated form).

[@IanDanielCassidy]

Minus One Godzilla's Abilities: Atomic breath, Bio-atomic nature, Regeneration, Marine physiology, Contamination, Physical capabilities, Intelligence, Amphibiousness, Durability, Reflexes, and Contamination. Minus One Godzilla's Weaknesses: Internal vulnerability, and Underwater pressure.

[@thomasarcanine]

Recommenting after watching the vid essay: I always liked Ang Lee's Hulk when I saw it as a teen. Naively, I loved the comicbook-y editing and all (except the Hulked-out dogs, though); but when I saw it again years later, I finally got what Ang Lee wanted to convey. The pain, the trauma, the anxiety, the fear, the emotional pain, all of this rang out through my early adulthood. The fear of setting out into the cruel world, not knowing what the future holds with this anxiety driven naive person, that was me, and that was what I saw in Hulk. That maybe why I never saw Hulk as a superhero, but rather just a guy full of repressed anger and anxiety to himself in fear of what he might do wrong with what he had. And I get it, why some people diss the Endgame Hulk, for "not being strong", or "weak compared to Norton Hulk", or "Hulk dabbing is cringe", etc. But for me, when I see the balanced, calm, Professor Hulk, I am happy for him. I am happy that he finally got through his suffering, his fear, his anger, and being at peace with himself. I am happy for him, because if he can be at peace, then I might get a shot of being peace with myself too. And that is why I love Endgame Hulk (but that dab, man, jeez... 🤣)

[@redmistbluemiss]

It's crazy because that opening scene always stuck with me as a kid too. I think that's a testament to just how well made this film really was.

[@elitemember8222]

Ang lees hulk has always been my number one superhero film of all time. I relate to every aspect of not only the hulk, but any lees adaptation. And lee is the ONLY director who actually UNDERSTANDS the hulk and his audience.

[@JazukaiX]

I watched this movie when I was 13 and loved it, I started having dreams that I could become the Hulk. The scene when Hulk and Bruce finally sync up and speak together to scream "Take it all!" still gives me chills to this day and you did a great job breaking down why it's so powerful. The moment was earned, unlike MCU's treatment of resolving his issues off screen and becoming a nerd. By the way, the "dated CGI" is mostly the dogs. Hulk has never looked as real as he did here, nor as expressive.

[@acethealien4863]

Unironically one of the best pieces of contemporary art up there with revenge of the sith. Brilliant idea to corrolate the hulks anger with trauma. Equating his transformations with temper tantrums, truly an incredible character study. I Miss when movies were more art than they were content.

[@tiagoaraujo1616]

I cry every time I watch this movie. And this video made me cry again. The way I see myself in this, in this trauma, and in this constant attempt of healing, is so big, and incredible just like hulk himself. I'm glad you and other people reconize the heart Ang Lee put in this movie.

[@therealstevedye_121]

I was one of those kids. Dad killed in a plane crash at 12, replaced by a drunk step dad who could get a bit rough after a bit of bourbon. Always enjoy your content, but this one hits home. Well done.

[@HiTopFilms]

I’m sorry you went through all that, the fact you are still standing is inspiring.

[@russiandrago821]

In the Avengers Bruce SAYS "I'm always angry." As a throwaway gag. In Ang Lee's Hulk you FEEL that Bruce is always angry, that there is a primordial rage and sadness that he is forced to carry inside himself every single day of his life.

[@jakedefusco8373]

I cried when I watched 2008 Incredible Hulk, which came out when i was 4, but because I was scared of the big monster

[@Eking-su3tr]

Lol same i had a hulk poster too And that big hand reaching made me shit myself lol

[@jakedefusco8373]

@@Eking-su3tr i had the hulk gloves but i couldnt sleep in the same room as them out of fear that they'd grow a body and beat the shit out of me

[@thefilmpost2686]

Thank you for talking about this one because I had the EXACT same experience watching it as a kid as well. I had parents who fought and screamed a lot at each other. I didn't understand any of it, but I knew in my stomach as it began to ache, that something was terribly wrong. It was a horrifying thing to witness. The flashbacks with Bruce's parents instilled that same feeling so well that I found it hard to get through the movie, only because of those scenes and that is a testament to how well Ang Lee knew how to capture such intense rage from the father and the confused state of Bruce as a child. I have not watched this movie in well over a decade. Now, I think I will confront this movie again and see if I the aching in the pit of my stomach returns. After all the hoopla that's been going down with Disney, Marvel and the rest of Hollywood the past few years, I may come to find a new sense of appreciation for this movie.

[@AzayBae]

I had the same exact experience. This movie made me love the Hulk and I haven't seen it since I was maybe 10 or so. I know I'll probably end up tearing up seeing it after I came to terms with my own childhood. I like that this Bruce is genuinely a good guy trying to be better and even when he loses control he still saves people. He doesn't want to be his father.

[@melan8ed197]

YES IM SO GLAD THIS MOVIE'S GETTING THE PRAISE IT DESERVES IT'S SO MUCH BETTER THAN ANYTHING MCU HULK DID

[@chriscage669]

This essay is one the best one yet! I almost got a bit emotional because of how sad Bruce’s character story. I loved how psychological it was because it was meant to show that Bruce’s journey of being the hulk wasn’t the a good one. And I’m glad that this movie is getting the recognition it deserves.

[@KainCarthyst]

All of these retrospective videos make me wanna go rewatch whatever you are talking about so I can feel the passion you seem to have. I appreciate you more than I can put into words.

[@JLiL4949]

Frlll ❤

[@skeletron3210]

OMG I have waited so long for HiTop Films to talk about this movie, this is one of my favorite movies ever. This film's understanding of childhood trauma and Ptsd is unmatched in any film I have seen. Eric Bana's performance of this Bruce Banner is so unique yet very comicbook accurate, as someone who battles with Childhood trauma and Ptsd, this film helped me understand myself. Thank you, Alex this made my day.

[@JLiL4949]

I can relate ❤

[@JaceDeanLove]

Ngl I almost teared up when you talked about the “take it all” scene

[@bryandempsey3840]

I’m 49 years old and your essay here has prompted me to rewatch the movie. I never hated it, but it also didn’t grab me like I wanted it to. For me it wasn’t the editing style or conclusion that lacked action. I was put off because it was too faithful to comics I hadn’t read, like most of the audience. We came in with Bill Bixby & Lou Ferrigno as my blueprint. The movie used Peter David’s retcon origin as the starting point. Imagine watching Sam Raimi’s Spider-man and in that first film we see Flint Marko accidentally shoot Uncle Ben, but Peter doesn’t know. It would be jarring & off-putting. When Bruce shows up as Krenzler, I remember people in a packed theater reacting in confusion because his last name wasn’t Banner. It completely started off on the wrong foot narratively. So we weren’t there for the characters and the arcs. Ang Lee should have let it be an accident and saved the retcon of dad experimenting and abuse for a sequel. I get what he wanted to do and glad you see it, but you have to crawl before you try to run. Anyway. Great video. Rewatching Hulk right now with some more appreciation.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

I didn't care one bit for the Hulk when this film came out. I appreciated Ang Lee as a story teller, director, film maker. He was the sole reason I went to the cinema to watch this film. I was in for a treat when I saw him bring the comic medium alive in a big screen adaptation. That's the way a character like Deadpool should also be approached. Ang Lee is amazing, he has range, style and vision. A true artist. And so are you in the way you go about crafting and narrating your video essays, well argued, well structured, well illustrated, and clearly works of intelligence, empathy and passion. Thanks, Alex! 💚

[@remlezar2693]

I had a really similar experience watching this as a kid, but I had no idea why. I couldn't understand why it made me so angry and so sad so fast. Years later, when I rewatched it, it clicked. I knew what happened around me as a child locked at home with no friends was wrong, deep down, but I didn't know anything else before. Now that I've gone through more of my life and we got out of that situation years ago, I know what happened. I honestly have never seen a movie depict the kind of nightmares you get from it like this movie. It honestly shocks me but in a good way. It reminds me that I'm not alone in those feelings and that there is hope. I have my own kid now and I understand that fear of becoming the monster that horrified you as a child but seeing my step dad and mom so happy together now and the years of healing I've gone through with them has given me so much hope for the future. Thank you for this. You really put into words what I've felt for a long time.

[@remlezar2693]

It also helps that I cut contact with my biological father in 2018. I haven't heard anything from him since I finally told him over the phone how much he hurt me, my brother's, and most of all, my mom. I don't regret that decision, and I doubt I ever will. Sorry if all of this was trauma dump-ish, but I hope someone out there knows that there's someone like them who knows that pain too and that you can be happy and can have a life worth fighting for and that someone loves you.

[@ashawnamv2117]

This movie was my first introduction to the Hulk, my first introduction Marvel, the reason why I love this character so much, the reason why this character is my favorite within the Marvel franchise combined with the fact that 2008's Incredible Hulk only solidified it. I remember watchin Ang Lee's Hulk in 2008/09 on DVD at a young age prolly 3 or 4 n I watched Incredible Hulk in 2012/2013, the way I felt experiencing those movies cannot be described; I only hope the next Hulk movie Marvel puts out [which is rumored to be a WWH movie] is treated with as much care as this one and The Incredible Hulk movie combined

[@imphoenix3831]

This was my favorite movie as a child and I'm glad to see how mature the themes are and how much I can still enjoy it to this day. This was a fantastic video btw

[@ogreface8]

LET’S GO!! Loved this movie as a kid because the big green guy went smash. As an adult I love it even more. So glad people are finally starting to recognize this movie is more than just Hulk Smash

[@brandonwelch4922]

Years ago I asked in a live chat if Alex would ever do a review of this movie. From what I recall he said "I haven't seen it but I respect Ang Lee as a filmmaker and might get around to watching it at some point." So glad you finally got around to reviewing this underrated gem. 👊❤

[@slimdogmillionare_boss]

ANOTHER GREAT PERSONAL VIDEO! I(like many)think this movie is extremely misunderstood. I remember watching it as a kid being in awe on Hulk's look and the comic panel/visual aesthetic. I get why this movie was so polarizing. Parents took their kids thinking it was gonna be loads of fun but ended up being a sad and depressing watch with the family. Today's my 22nd birthday and seeing that this film came out on my birthday, definitely tethers me to the film. I've always preferred this Hulk movie to any others. Some see Hulk as just a big boring mad monster but miss all the pain and tragedy he stores inside. Watching this video not only made me wanna rewatch this movie but read the comics, starting with Stan Lee's original run. Thanks again Alex for giving us another INCREDIBLE video! I can't wait for Jason and I hope your Father is doing well.

[@James.Stark.Ben.Edition]

Alex, you got me sobbing at midnight again. thank you for this, and even if those artistic choices don't all work for you (they pretty much all do for me, this is easily in my top 10 CBMs, like nothing makes me feel the way this does), i'm glad you could see what Lee tried to do. i sometimes like to imagine how different the current CBM landscape would be if this had caught on and get sad about it so i'm glad this video exists for me to channel those emotions into something.

[@rayzorduality2396]

Godd*mn, you articulated your points well, the passion behind the scenes of conveying emotion that you don't really as often in film and cinema, telling the story that Ang Lee himself wanted to tell, fathers who failed to be fathers, childhood trauma, hiding from said trauma, and lashing out because of that trauma. So much that I missed about this film, so much that I never bothered to even think about. All because back in the back, the only thing I knew about the Bruce Banner's suppressed rage was, "HULK SMASH!!!!" But thanks to this retrospective, I realized that there is so much more to this film than I initially thought. Cheers for that and thank you...

[@MisterC86-fc6og]

That's what I like about the Hulk.... Apart from all the limitless physical abilities he has, despite all that he's not a bad guy and he is completely misunderstood. The strength of a God but the soul of an Angel. 👍

[@Technoid10]

I am so thankful you made this video this pretty much sums up how I’ve always felt about Hulk even as a kid

[@AlexLove631]

I need a proper modern Hulk film soooo bad. Used to love the guy, but I’ve felt so disconnected from him for years. They’re wasting Ruffalo. Also, loving the deep dives into the comic book movies we grew up on. I’d say Ghost Rider next!

[@imahoare4742]

Need a Hulk Gray adaptation ASAP.

[@cavalierliberty6838]

ruffalo wasted hulk. The MCU wasted hulk. Anyone who likes just seeing his feats is missing the core aspect of the hulk. He's in pain. He's hurting. Banner's wit is not of arrogance, but of protecting himself from hidden pain. The MCU hulk is a one trick pony, instead of a proper character.

[@MR_Edits03]

This touched very tender and personal feelings that not many understand. Those who do, know the trouble of understanding how to confront those emotions. A truly powerful analysis that makes me both uncomfortable and comfortable, knowing I can relate to it. Beautiful work man, seriously. This is a rare piece of film critique that speaks to a certain audience, thank you for this. Truly.

[@ryanmiller6103]

Your 4 year old theater experience with hulk was my 4 year old experience at batman & robin

[@libRteedude]

I remember when this movie came out. I was too young to see it, but my older brother and father did. My brother thought it was just alright, but my father had a reaction that I didn't understand at the time. He said he liked it, but that he didn't want to see it ever again. The only other time I remember him saying something similar about a movie was with the Denzel Washington flick "Flight"; he said it then because he thought the portrayal of drug addiction was too accurate and realistic (he worked with drug addicts himself) that it depressed him and didn't provide an escape from his everyday experience of seeing addicts slowly killing themselves. As for his Hulk reaction, it was only when I was older and learned that my father had a strained relationship with his own father that it clicked for me why he appreciated Hulk, but couldn't bear to watch it again. It just felt too raw and too close to home for him.

[@GageDinkins-sp6do]

You are quite literally the best marvel movie reviewer on KZbin, I'm ngl, because this is my all time favorite marvel movie and this and you're video essay on Spider-Man 2 are both really amazing I'm ngl keep up the good work mate, I'm impressed, like seriously, I wanna see more dude 🔥🔥👊🤘

[@mitspeiler]

I remember watching his movie several times on dvd as a kid. I was surprised when I got older and everyone said it was bad. That said even as a kid I thought it was lot slower and more thoughtful than the contemporary super hero films. Had to really be in the mood to watch it

[@DaneDavenport]

Comic books are often called modern mythologies, contemporary versions of the complex worlds created for the greek gods. Ang Lee's Hulk might be the only comic book film that really shows that side of the art form. In addition to being closest visually to a comic book. It might not completely connect to everyone but you have to tip your hat to the huge swings taken.

[@ConstantineAlexanderSoelaiman]

I also would add Zack Snyder's Superman trilogy too including the extended cuts of his BVS 3 hour cut and his JL 4 hour cut really shows mythology executed the best . I know most people hate zack's work , but deeply I feel a lot of sincerity combined with brutality in his films the same way Ang Lee use Hulk and Bruce Banner and also the same way Chris nolan used Bruce Wayne and Batman for Batman Begins.

[@tiagomanini2984]

Loved this movie as a kid!! Amazing that the CGI still holds up to this day.

[@ninjanibba4259]

No it doesn’t

[@tiagomanini2984]

@@ninjanibba4259 some shots are still super convincing to me

[@ninjanibba4259]

@@tiagomanini2984 I just watched Starship Troopers earlier this week for the first time and that film has much better cgi in 1997 than Hulk did all film

[@julien3331]

​@@ninjanibba4259 yes it does, stop the bashing about this movie

[@bilbobaggins9451]

​@@ninjanibba4259You're comparing apples to oranges. Not saying the aliens in ST aren't impressive, but you can't compare it to how Hulk was constructed. You just can't.

[@mr.alpaca7686]

Your videos are so heartfelt and sincere. You talk about love, heartbreak, vulnerability with such a passion I’ve never seen before. You inspire me.

[@HiTopFilms]

❤️

[@superab10]

God damn Hi-Top. You really do make us see superhero movies in a light they deserve.

[@konradk1066]

I just gotta say, I absolutely love your video essays. The passion, the script, the editing, the jokes. It all rules. You're like the PopoMedic of comic video essays

[@godzillafanforever1]

People were like "this isn't the Hulk we know". Um, maybe read a single Hulk comic from the late 1990s and get back to me.

[@-Anonymous-.]

Got you to 2k likes. This movie will forever live in the realm of greatness. The acting, direction, & storytelling fires on all cylinders, & could’ve made for an untamed trilogy. Also this interpretation of Hulk is 🐐GOATED🐐

[@michaelduncan1516]

This movie will hit really different emotionally

[@banditjonesy3509]

I hope Ang Lee sees this. You've got the be the only person who watched this movie and has this much to say about it. Top shelf content as always. Thank you

[@aguy3728]

I loved this movie. Literally one of the best marvel movies. Saw it for the first time a couple months back. Ang Lee is a fucking genius. The story of a fellow Taiwanese filmmaker who made it big and cooked up this 5 star meal for comic fans and general audiences may have unlocked something within me.

[@SithYuta]

wow i understand so much about this movie now. take it all wasnt just hulks overwhelming power but a metaphor for him taking all the pain and memories and it was too much to handle.

[@lisametivier5173]

I still love this movie! It came out when I was a kid and I was obsessed with it. I had all the toys and the game! In my opinion it's still the best hulk movie ever made!

[@mkdmc]

my folks got this movie on DVD for me when i was a kid, the scene where hulk’s reflection in Bruce’s mirror traumatized me for years. like my folks had to cut the movie off because i started crying. But i watched it years later and came to the same conclusion, campy, muddled, and messy, but the story here is by and large the greatest hulk story told on screen.

[@tomboy7471]

You completely hit the nail on the head in the start of the video, danny elfmans score, man, it hit hard listening to it as a grown man. It's like I've grown with the song, changing from a boy to a man, having the hurt, the pain, and coping with abuse. I'll always remember this movie and will always listen to the score.

[@Caspianm2]

Well I wasn't expecting to cry to this but "help me I don't want to be this" got the waterworks flowing. Thanks for this.

[@HiTopFilms]

Anytime

[@viciousbane569]

I will defend this film till I die and I still think the CGI still holds up!

[@Thechristianbolton]

This makes me appreciate the times I repeatedly watched this movie along with other hero movies before MCU was ever a thing, now as adult, I can relate a lot when it comes to not being like other people and having a hard time connecting and socializing.

[@Filmfreak-zo5gc]

15 years before Into The Spider Verse would take credit for melding comic art with modern storytelling sensibilities, there was Ang Lees Hulk.

[@anirudhc2928]

Thank you so much for talking about this gem. This is easily my fav Hulk film, and the closest thing to an arthouse film we'll get in this genre. A meditative and haunting exploration of trauma and abuse that happens to be about the Green Goliath, with some of the best performances in a comic book movie, which is further bolstered by the insane and uncompromising vision of Ang Lee. A misunderstood masterpiece imo! Also, Danny Elfman's score is beautiful, melancholic and tragic!

[@hunzikart]

I swear to God, if you make a video essay about the 80's Hulk tv show I'll tell my crush I love her... or idk, I'll do something wild lol Whatever, just please watch the pilot episode, you'll love it!

[@ZachleMentor]

I’m glad people are starting to appreciate Hulk(2003) a lot more than they did on his film debut. There are lots of messages behind the movie and the character himself that makes it interesting to watch.

[@thelittlepasty8360]

It’s unbelievable to me that people think the Incredible Hulk is better than this

[@maxfordgaming9278]

It boggles my mind. The hulk in the 2008 film is nothing but spectacle. When the hulk in the 2003 film is not only a spectacle, but an actual character.

[@dericjames2018]

​@maxfordgaming9278 The Incredible Hulk had actual character but it was all cut out 42 mins but it's a shame the Theatrical version is the only one available.

[@maxfordgaming9278]

@@dericjames2018 that's a damn shame.

[@Pinklarz]

This video is insane, absolutely one of your best. You just keep topping your previous work man insane

[@davidcervantes7961]

I am very greatful you made this video. I remembered watching this movie as a kid and feeling unease. I never understood why, but now that I’m older I realize it’s cause I didn’t have a healthy relationship with my own father. But even though I don’t have a relationship with my father, I am thankful of the male role models I did have in my life like my uncles, teachers, and my now step-father

[@Ash-Winchester]

I remember when I was in high school, sophomore year, I turned on the tv and saw that this movie was getting ready to play. I had watched it so many times on dvd as a kid and I was excited to watch it again, so i recorded it to DVR. When it was done recording I got ready to watch it, but I couldn't make it all the way through. I had gotten to the scene in the prologue where David drags Edith into the bedroom and they're arguing and bruce is playing with his toys like the innocent kid he was. When the muffled screams from the bedroom get bruce's attention and the danny elfman music started playing, I had to turn the movie off because for reasons I can't explain, I almost started crying like a little girl. Tears were building in my eyes and I had no idea why.

[@Neutral_Tired]

I always thought both Hulk films were underrated. They're far from masterpieces and I might like them less if I'd read the Hulk comics but I think they're perfectly decent superhero movies.

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I agree absolutely underrated films

[@Eking-su3tr]

If u read hulk comics youd like it more tbh. Ang lee’s version is straight off the pages The green color he has in the movie is exactly how he should look like.

[@dericjames2018]

It's a shame that the Hulk has been ruined in the MCU and the solo films did a better job...

[@RhysClark97]

I love how much effort you put into finding a specific part of your life that allows you relate to a movie as best you can.

[@EvGriff42]

it was lonely liking this film as an 12 year old kid. thank you for reminding me of all the things that I loved about it that I'd forgotten, I hope other people give it a chance now

[@nerdsman567]

While I personally don’t care much for this movie, there’s no denying that Jennifer Connelly looks absolutely STUNNING in this movie! She’s a wonderful actress and this film makes her look so beautiful! ^^

[@lottatore]

they way you describe this indescribable effect this theme song had on you, likewise the spongebob ending song, the AVatar's Love song fromt he last airbender, and The Nameless Song at the end of Dark Souls, among a few others, send me into a pit of despair that i simply cannot control the tears.

[@MrEandn]

my man you're about to make this movie have a huge popularity burst. I have never heard someone put it into words better

[@will_da_man_]

I remember constantly watching this film when I wad a kid. I mean, I thought it was SUPER boring, but all the scenes with Hulk are perfect.

[@danielchevere]

To this day this is in my top 10 favorite superhero films. I was born in 1997 and remember watching this in the theater and just being in awe. Say what you want about the story but you can’t deny how awesome the hulk scenes are. I’m so happy you feel the same way I do about this movie. Love your stuff, keep going!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

I was born on September 23rd, 1997. Late 1990s, baby.

[@ravereiko]

as someone who experienced abuse throughout my entire childhood, this movie has always been apart of who i am. this movie was made for the broken.

[@ChristianFrates1997]

Haunting Ground also counts.

[@christmartinez6875]

This was utterly, and purely beautiful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and emotions on this movie. I can only that we get more of movies like this.

[@thomaskilroy4573]

I’ve always said the same thing. If you took the story, tone, ideas, themes, CGI, acting and character exploration of this film and combined it with the action, thrills and excitement of the 2008 version…then you would have easily the PERFECT Hulk movie.

[@jaxkommish]

I actually loved this movie. Shame it get Rodney Dangerfielded