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List Price: $9.98 | | Label: 20th Century Fox
Salesrank: 23906
Released: September 21, 1999 |
| Our Price: $8.11 |
| Used Price: $1.68 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
When was the last time you saw a new movie set during the 1840s? The era is the first oddball thing about Ravenous, though by no means the last. This provocatively weird movie is essentially a vampire film crossed with the Donner party, that unfortunate band of hungry pioneers who got stuck in the wilderness with only themselves to eat. The setting here is Fort Spencer, a dismal collection of shacks huddled in the snows of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Mid-winter, a nearly dead Scotsman (Robert Carlyle, from The Full Monty) staggers into camp with a story of desperate cannibalism. The skeleton crew (so to speak) manning the fort sets out to investigate, when... ah, but the twists and turns of this dark yarn should remain shocking. Be assured, however, that the cannibalism has just begun; this movie has cannibalism like Titanic had an iceberg. Director Antonia Bird (Mad Love, Priest) blends some humor into this scenario, especially in the final reels, but otherwise this is a fairly serious gore picture; a confused Twentieth Century Fox tried to market it as a black comedy, and the movie flopped anyway. It deserves a better fate--at the very least, it's not quite like anything else out there. The music, a brilliant collaboration between Michael Nyman (The Piano) and Blur's Damon Albarn, is an offbeat blend of period twang and modern drone. Carlyle and Guy Pearce (of L.A. Confidential) are fascinating in the lead roles--their sunken faces would look at home in Civil War photographs--and the eccentric supporting cast, including Jeremy Davies and David Arquette, adds flavor to the dish. --Robert Horton
Ravenous Reviews:
Torso Licking Good 
2009-12-19 - After a cowardly, earnest American soldier (Guy Pearce) in the Mexican-American War captures the command of a Mexican base in an inexplicable fit of bloodlust, he's commended for his accomplishment...before being shipped to a remote outpost in frigid northern California for his misconduct. He hasn't been stationed for long before a manic, mysterious pioneer (Robert Carlyle) arrives to tell a chilling tale of survival though cannibalism, the spiritual ramifications of which are far more terrible than his story...
Without a doubt, this feature's greatest asset is its terrific cast. Pearce is in fine form as usual, entirely credible as the weak-willed, unlikely war hero. Cast yet again as a bookish, buffoonish authority figure, Jeffrey Jones is typically amusing as the outpost's commanding officer, though his role does allow him to explore a greater range of emotion than usual, and he's up to the task. However, Robert Carlyle's performance is the lynchpin around which the whole movie revolves, alternately traumatized, clownish, charismatic, wicked...as the only character with any significant depth, he's very nearly brilliant and impossible to ignore. Also well cast as the outpost's token degenerate moron, David Arquette does what he does best and isn't ever permitted to become too annoying. Director Antonia Bird doesn't squander the talent at her command, and affords her actors plenty of lingering shots in which to perform.
Though its concept is cleverly framed in the context of Manifest Destiny, "Ravenous" doesn't pretend to be anything more than it is. Much of the humor at the film's start is heavy-handed, in sharp contrast to the clever black comedy that gradually develops and lightens the tone of the weirdest and bloodiest happenings of an ingenious story. Karo isn't spared here and the whole production is awash with gallons of it, but this never seems excessive - after all, when people eat people, things get messy.
There are some glaring flaws: the quoted text of the film's opening is idiotic, many scenes are overscored and the ending is a trifle disappointing. Nonetheless, for those who like their horror amusing, well performed and soaked in blood, there are worse ways to liven up a winter evening. Oh, and by all means, eat beforehand; if you don't, you'll find your stomach growling midway through.
Mesmerizing Yarn 
2009-09-22 - This is a fascinating movie with numerous plot twists and surprises. When the tale of cannibalism is first revealed in the story, a background flute-melody is played. This stands out for me because it made it so darn creepy somehow...
It is hard to write much about this movie without ruining it for those who plan to watch it, but suffice it to say it is one heck of an interesting flick with a lot of shocking surprises and a very creepy undertone to it all. The characters that survive devolve into ghoulish loons, making a cauldron of human stew towards the end of the movie.
The interweaving themes of cannibalism and insanity illustrated an exaggerated yet valid point I was trying to make on my 'herbivore central' blog so I included it in my last entry there.
I can't stress enough what a weird yet cool movie this is. Recommend to all.
A Dark, Hypnotic Movie
2009-03-11 - This movie really does defy classification. It is NOT a black comedy, it's not meant to be funny. And it is not a horror film in the sense of a slasher/gore film. Although there is quite a bit of blood, and yes the characters are cannibals, the violence was not gratuitous or even the main focus of the movie. The movie just has too much depth to be consigned to the horror genre.
Guy Pearce's character's weakness and is foiled beautifully off the manic power of Carlyle's character. And in the final scene there is a moment between the characters that has a kind of raw, magnetic, almost sexual, tension between the two characters. It's a window into human nature encapsulated by a frame of violence, the eye of the storm that for one moment lets you glimpse the oddly visceral connection between predator and prey, between one human and another. But which is the predator and which the prey? And don't we all have a little of both inside us?
I'm starting to ramble, but you can see that this is a movie that leaves deep impressions. It's captivating and you can't take your eyes off the screen. It is a brilliant study of human nature.
Buy this DVD! You won't be disappointed.
Awesome movie
2008-12-31 - This movie slipped by alot of people when released.
It's a great western with a sick twist.
Part of what makes it so great is the off beat sound track and crazy musical scores that undermine the story line adding to the whole insanity of it all.
This is one good flick.
Best Darn Cannibal Western Ever Made
2008-12-18 - A cannibal Western starring Guy Pierce and Robert Carlisle. If blood bothers you, stay away, but if you like smart, funny, mythic, scary, beautifully made movies, this is one. Every part of this movie works.
