*** 1/2

I am a huge fan of the Brett Ratner film, RED DRAGON...but this original version of the Thomas Harris novel is excellent in its own right.  This film was made before Hannibal Lecter was a cinematic icon, and Brian Cox does quite a superb job as the imprisoned doctor.  I also enjoyed the rest of the cast, William Peterson, Thomas Noonan, Denis Farina, Joan Allen....great stuff.  Also, directed by Michael Mann in 1986, the story is all about Will Graham and the psychological weight he carries while trying to solve these horrendus murders.  2002's Red Dragon was all about giving us Anthony Hopkins again and shocking us.  1986's Manhunter is all about disturbing us.  And it certainly does.