My initial predictions were not very optimistic, I expected the movie to suck, just like any sequel\prequel that is directed by another person, or one that doesn't include any of the 'original' actors.

I was wrong. Actually, the movie is pretty consistent with the story and all the elements fit together very well (uhm, if we count out the fact that a girl's name is 'Misha', perhaps it was 'Masha'?).

There are no special effects, nothing that emphasizes that it is just another movie, like many others.

The most important thing is that the film makes it clear why Hannibal became the person he is, providing the details. It makes me conclude that this is an outstanding prequel, because it synchronizes perfectly with the context we've known so far. Incredible, isn't it?

In fact, I don't mind watching another movie they make, which covers the events between 'Hannibal rising' and 'The silence of the lambs', I think they've left the 'space' for that.

Yes, I wrote that I will be glad to watch another part of this story. :-)

I definitely recommend this one, you will like it.