🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ang Lee
- Genre: Superhero, Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Release year: 2003
- Runtime (length): 2h 18min
- IMDb rating: 5.6/10 (284K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 62%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A scientist gets so mad about his dad that he turns into a giant green rage monster… who also has daddy issues.
🍿 Hulk: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Origins of Rage: David Banner’s Experiments
In the late 1960s, Dr. David Banner, driven by a desire to enhance human resilience for military applications, conducts illicit genetic experiments on himself. These experiments, aimed at unlocking the potential of human DNA, are deemed unethical and shut down by General Ross. However, David’s actions have unforeseen consequences, passing altered genetics to his son, Bruce.

The Gamma Accident: A Monster is Born
Years later, Bruce Banner, now a brilliant but emotionally repressed scientist, works alongside Betty Ross on a nanomed technology project. An accident in the lab exposes Bruce to a massive dose of gamma radiation combined with the nanobots. Surviving the supposedly lethal dose, Bruce discovers that his repressed anger triggers a terrifying transformation into a massive, green-skinned behemoth known as the Hulk.

Unleashing the Hulk: Destruction and Pursuit
As Bruce struggles to understand and control his transformations, the military, led by General Ross, begins a relentless pursuit. Each transformation results in widespread destruction, making Bruce a target of both fear and scientific interest. Meanwhile, the opportunistic Major Talbot attempts to exploit the Hulk’s power for military gain, further complicating Bruce’s plight.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Bruce Banner (Eric Bana): A genetics researcher with a tragic past, Bruce transforms into the Hulk when angered after a lab accident.
- Betty Ross (Jennifer Connelly): Bruce’s colleague and former lover, Betty tries to help him control his transformations while navigating her complex relationship with her father.
- Ross (Sam Elliott): Betty’s father, General Ross, seeks to control and weaponize the Hulk while grappling with his feelings for his daughter and his military responsibilities.
- Talbot (Josh Lucas): A power-hungry military man, Talbot attempts to exploit the Hulk’s abilities for personal gain and military advantage.
- Father (Nick Nolte): Bruce’s estranged and unstable father, David Banner, seeks to reconnect with his son while also experimenting on him.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Bruce Banner: “Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” – A warning delivered in Spanish at the end of the film, hinting at his inability to control the Hulk, referencing the famous line from the TV show.
- Father: “I should have killed you.” – David Banner says this to Bruce, revealing his conflicted feelings and the source of Bruce’s trauma.
- Bruce Banner: “I wish you had.” – Bruce responds to his father’s admission, highlighting his own inner turmoil and the desire to escape his condition.
- Father: “You’re a fraud, Banner! A cheap imitation! All you care about is your precious morality!” – David Banner expresses his bitterness and philosophical differences with his son regarding the pursuit of power.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $137,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $132,177,234
- Worldwide Gross: $245,285,165
💥 Hulk Reviews
Personal Review
I remember seeing this in the theater as a kid, and it blew my mind. The Hulk’s transformations were so intense. I especially loved the fight with the Hulk dogs. The art style was very experimental and unique for its time. The movie is thought-provoking, and I still find it impressive, even though it’s not as action-packed as other superhero movies.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of comic book adaptations with a psychological focus”
- “Viewers interested in character-driven superhero stories”
- “Fans of director Ang Lee’s unique filmmaking style”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Intense action violence”
- “Scenes of psychological distress”
- “Disturbing imagery involving mutated creatures”
- “Brief partial nudity”
- “Parental Guidance Suggested”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Ang Lee’s ‘Hulk’ attempts a deeper, more psychological exploration of the character than typical superhero fare, resulting in a visually ambitious but ultimately uneven film experience, praised for its direction and acting.
- IMDB: “Ang Lee’s ‘Hulk’ is a Marvel film that is well worth watching. In a time where superhero movies seem to come from the assembly line it is hard to find gems that really transcend these paradigms. It plays with the chaos that erupts out of the events rather than glorifying another world saviour.
- IGN: “The action sequences are also sub-par and rare. The figure of the Hulk himself is as perfect a comic book CGI adaptation as there has ever been. To the layman and the kids a lot of the more vivid scenes are merely swirls of color unless you can tell mitochondria from whole cells at a glance and are familiar with species of desert lichen.
Audience Reactions
The unique comic book-style editing really made the movie stand out.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to explore the Hulk’s inner turmoil rather than just focus on action.
Nick Nolte’s performance as the Father was captivatingly insane.: The cast’s serious performances elevated the material and made the characters believable.
Overall Consensus: Ang Lee’s ‘Hulk’ is a divisive but visually striking take on the character that prioritizes psychological depth over typical superhero action, appealing to some while alienating others.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director Ang Lee’s wife, Jane Lin, a microbiologist, provided authentic microbiology work seen in Bruce Banner’s lab.”
- “Lou Ferrigno, who played the Hulk in the 1970s TV series, makes a cameo appearance as a security guard alongside Stan Lee.”
🖥️ How to Watch Hulk?
Hulk (2003) is available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Some platforms may offer the film in 4K UHD.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Hulk, you might like these similar films:
- Frankenstein (1931): Explores the dangers of scientific hubris and the tragic consequences of creating something beyond human control, similar to the creation and struggle with the Hulk.
- Split (2016): Features a character with multiple personalities, one of which is a superhuman beast, exploring the themes of inner turmoil and uncontrolled power.
- Unbreakable (2000): Deals with the discovery of superhuman abilities and the psychological impact of these powers on an ordinary individual.
- The Toxic Avenger (1984): A cult classic about an underdog who transforms into a monstrous hero, appealing to fans of unconventional superhero stories.
🛒 Hulk Related Products
- The Incredible Hulk (The Complete Series): Relive the classic TV series that captivated audiences for years, with Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. Great value, includes all the episodes.
- Marvel Legends Series Hulk 6-inch Action Figure: Highly detailed and poseable Hulk action figure from the Marvel Legends series. Comes with accessories.
- LEGO Marvel Hulkbuster: The Battle of Wakanda: Build and play with a detailed LEGO Hulkbuster, featuring poseable limbs and minifigure cockpit.
- The Incredible Hulk Comic Book Collection: A curated selection of classic Hulk comics, showcasing his origins and greatest battles.
🎧 Soundtrack
Hulk features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Hulk’ (2003) is available to rent or buy on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check for local cable on-demand options as well.
Hulk (2003) tells the story of Bruce Banner, a scientist with a repressed past who transforms into a giant, green monster when angered after a lab accident. The film explores themes of repressed rage, family trauma, and the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition.
Eric Bana plays Bruce Banner, the scientist who transforms into the Hulk. The Hulk himself is primarily a CGI creation.
No, the 2003 ‘Hulk’ movie, directed by Ang Lee, is not part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It is a standalone film.
🔥 Bonus Content
Everything GREAT About Hulk!
Want to hear a different take on the 2003 Hulk movie? CinemaWins shares why this often-overlooked Marvel film deserves more recognition.
Why Edward Norton Was The BEST MCU Hulk | Video Essay |
Curious about why some fans believe Edward Norton made a better Hulk than Mark Ruffalo? This well-researched video essay dives into the reasons.
The Incredible Hulk – Feature Presentation
想知道影评人对《无敌浩克》有何看法?Chris Stuckmann深入探讨了这部电影,分享了他对剧情、角色和整体体验的见解。
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