THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)

CHARACTER Clarice Starling, FBI trainee

IMPERILED? On her first case, Clarice faces off against institutional sexism as she hunts the serial killer dubbed Buffalo Bill. More chillingly, she exposes her vulnerable psyche to diabolical sociopath Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins).

EMPOWERED? Clarice impresses Lecter with her intelligence, honesty, and willpower, inspiring him to provide her with the information she uses to track down Buffalo Bill and free the captive young woman who is his latest victim.

EW MOVIE GRADE: A (Read the EW review)