One of the best-if you've never seen it...you don't know what you are missing!

Rating: Null/10 (29 June 1999)

I don't have any idea how people can say that they did not thoroughly enjoy this film. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins were amazing in this film-the chemistry was right, the acting superb, and their performances worthy of the numerous awards they were nominated for (and won).
Anyone who feels that Foster's character was acted "weakly" was obviously not paying attention. Starling is not only likable, but she's got something "real" about her-something that you can relate to. Hopkins is devilishly clever and cynical, which makes him all the more appealing. I was already a big Foster and Hopkins fan before this movie, and have been even more so since this film. This is one of those movies I never get tired of watching-if you have DVD, you've got to check out the Criterion Edition of this...the commentary from the actors is alone worth the slightly higher price.
I found the end to be positively chilling (someone else commented on this as well) It's not an elaborate thing, just simple and scary. I don't remember the name of the actor that played Jame Gumb, but I've seen him in a few other films and can't help but think what a great psychopath he played! Scott Glenn's performance was commendable as well.
I just recently read Harris' "Hannibal", and I can't wait to see that immortalized on film....Just can't seem to get enough of ol' Hannibal the Cannibal! I am a "read the book" kind of person, but I must say that the film did the book some justice-they were both equal as skillfully written and entertaining narrative. Jonathan Demme really outdid himself on this one!
If you have never seen this movie yet, run, don't walk-and rent it or buy it. You will not be disappointed. It is positively one of-if not the best-films of the decade.