Disclaimer: It's been a while since I read the book or watched Manhunter, but I think this version is a considerably more faithful adaption with the exception of Lecter's role being expanded (although this is not to the detriment of either, and the additional scenes are things alluded to in the books). Like Silence (and more recently LotR), this is an excellent example of how much liberty needs to be taken when doing an adaption.
The ensemble cast are all very good. Special mentions to Hopkins - he is Lecter, Emily Watson as the blind Reba McClane - the best such portayal (IMO) since Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman, and
Anthony Heald reprising his role as the hapless Dr. Chilton. The look and sound of the film are great too - the sets & locations (both new and familiar) and Danny Elfman's score all adding to the feel of the film.
In conclusion: An excellent film, perhaps not quite up to the standars of Silence, but as the latter regarded as a classic of the genre, that's still a glowing reccomendation. Certainly an improvement on Hannibal, although that may well be a case of source material - that novel gives the impression that Harris was pressured into writing it and is heart really waqn't in it.
