Ravenous (DVD, 1999)

This film is definately not what I expected. Based around the true-facts regarding the Donner Pass disaster in 1846, the film then heads into Native American legends and a "vampire-like" portrayal of survival under extreme conditions. Even Roger Ebert, of Siskel and Ebert, called this one "... a cross between a vampire movie and a cannibalism movie.". Starring Guy Pierce (of Momento and The Time Machine), even featuring David Arquette (of Scream fame) in a rather quirky role. The story twists and turns in a sometimes humorous, but often gruesome fashion. The intense action and unexpected surprizes that unfold as the tale plays out is what really makes this one worth checking out. I was pleasantly caught off-guard by the originality of the story's concept; a truly different twist on the Vampire/ Cannibal/ Action-Horror genre. This DVD has numerous worthwhile bonuses: Photo Galleries and Trailers are the norm, but the 3 Commentary Tracks and Deleted Scenes are quite interesting. I'm pleased to have this one as part of my personal collection. Thank you for taking the time to read my review, I hope that it was helpful - please rate it accordingly. Be fair and take care out there...

Guy Pierce stars in this chiller. Guy Pierce is a soldier during the frontier days. He is thrust into war and cowers to save his life. When piled under a stack of his fellow soldiers (killed by mexican troops), he accidently drinks their blood and gains strength. He captures the enemy stronghold and is then promoted. His commanding officer notice his lack of confidence and leadership, and reassigns him to a post in the frontier. At the front he encounters a man who has supposedly survived a bout with a canabalistic guide. They later find that he is the canable. I love this movie. The soundtrack plays out in a kind of country-bumpkin sort of way, and melds in just right. Watch it until the end though . . . Windigo carries on . . .

THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE!!! ACTION-PACKED! STORY-LINE IS GREAT, ACTORS ARE AWESOME, ITS JUST A VERY GOOD MOVIE! YOU WILL NOT BE BORED WATCHING THIS ONE! IT HAS SOME GREAT FIGHT SCENES, THE LAST FIGHT SCENE OF THE MOVIE IS ONE OF THE BEST FIGHT SCENES, I THINK IN MOVIE HISTORY, BUT IS VERY GRAPHIC AND BLOODY, NOT FOR THE SQUIMISH!!!

This is an exceedingly well-made film which, in its portrayal of cannibalism, suggests other themes as well: physical and moral courage and cowardice, exploitation of other people, the evils of carnivorousness. Great story if you can make it past the cannibalism and gore but then you are missing what makes it a thriller/horror film (with a touch of comedy).
Not for the faint of heart or easily disgusted but a must see for horror fans of all genres...

The coward turned hero, suggesting that there's a hero in all us was exploited in this wonderfully done time piece. Introducing cannibalism as a form of immortality was also moving to the mind, along with the Ben Franklin quotes. The accuracy of history in this movie is amazing and it's better than others in its category.