Rating: Summary: One of the best films in years. Review: Beautiful scenery, top-notch directing, Robert Carlyle, Guy Pearce, Jeffrey Jones, cannibalism - what's not to like?RAVENOUS takes place in the winter of 1847. Guy Pearce plays Boyd, who due to the disgust of his commanding officer (Boyd capture an enemy commander, but only by playing dead), is send to a remote outpost in the Sierra Nevadas, run by Colonel Hart (Jones). One night, a half-dead man (Carlyle) arrives telling a story of cannibalism. And then the fun starts. I am a film and video major, and from what I have been taught so far, RAVENOUS shows some of the best directing in years. The pace of the scenes and the brilliant performances (even by the overrated David Arquette) throw you deep into the story. If you were disturbed by the amounts of gore in Braveheart, Dracula, or any run-of-the-mill slasher flick, then RAVENOUS is probably not for you. I like gory movies, so I didn't have a problem with it. But RAVENOUS is far more than just a gory movie, it has all the elements of an artsy flick as well. The pyschological conflict between the two leads, the symbolism. The breathtaking scenery (shot in Slovakia) adds so much to an already great film. The music is at times haunting, other times funny, and always seems to belong. Costumes are great too. Although labeled as a Dark Comedy, RAVENOUS is more than that. In fact, it doesn't fit well into any real genre, and I think that is the reason why it works so well. Comedy fans make not like it. Horror fans may not either. But any serious film lover (with an affinity for gore) will love RAVENOUS. So, do yourself a favor and rent Ravenous (I wouldn't buy a movie until after I had seen it). You might be pleasantly surprised.
Rating: Summary: Quirky horror film is well made and better than expected Review: In my opinion Ravenous was a great film, including great perfomances by Pierce and Jones, a fresh soundtrack, and solid story. The film may have not done well in theatres because most studios now are pushing horror to a younger crowd, and the local and time period of the film probably didnt sit well with teens (the largest demographic for horror films). The DVD itself has great features, my favorites including director's commentaries and deleted scenes. FOX should be scolded for headlining David Arquett in the poster when he was in the film for about 6 minutes. His performace, like all of his overrated acting, was not worthy of such a honor. Jeffery Jones had much more screentime (and is a much better actor). FOX justed wanted to capitilize on Arquett's popularity from the Scream films. To sum up, rent or buy this film, it was a lot of fun.
Rating: Summary: Really Sneaky Review: Ravenous is one of the best movies I've ever seen in my entire life. I loved the way it was set and the cast was excellent. This movie is not for everyone though, just for those who have a strong stomach or like cannibalism type films. Antonia Bird is fantastic as well. She and the rest of the cast and crew knew what they were doing whern they made it. The first time I saw it in theaters I was totally amazed with it, I just couldn't wait til it came out on video. I even bought the soundtrack not too long after the film was released. The music to it is grand, it has a since of irony to it. When I told people about Ravenous, they just didn't seem like it was the kind of flick for them, I guess I'm really the only one at my school who is totally crazed about it. I enjoy sitting on the bus when I go to meets or other things and listening to the Ravenous soundtrack while every one else is listening to other music. I love it! I would also like to say that it will be the best movie that has a good since of irony and maybe the best film during its setting in the 1840's. This film has not been recognized much by critics and should be. Ted Griffin also deserves to be rewarded for his great knowledge in writing the script. Remember, Ben Frankling once said, Eat to live do not live to Eat. Bon Apetit!
Rating: Summary: Unexpectedly tasty treat! Review: What really makes this movie special is its originality - there are so few movies (horror ones especially) that take place in the early days of American colonial history. It's a bit surprising, as it's a setting that's full of wild and mysterious opportunities for storytelling. But there's more than just the unique setting. We have the concept of cannibalism paired with a bit of soul vampirism, an Indian legend that appears to be true, breathtaking scenery (shot in middle Europe, I believe) and some extremely tense scenes. The acting is way above average, at least for Robert Carlyle and Jeffrey Jones. Carlyle is especially haunting as the catalyst of the story, going from near-death to a ragged bundle of nervous energy to a calm and collected and impeccably attired officer. The DVD is very well stuffed with extras - several commentaries, deleted scenes with commentary, trailers, a nice section on set and costume design, and an excellent transfer that helps us see that beautiful scenery I mentioned. This is not the sort of movie you'd purchase without seeing first, though - so I'd recommend a rental. You may find it's not to your liking, or you may end up like I did - buying your own copy.
Rating: Summary: Fairly good, although a little scattered Review: I found the first 45 minutes or so to be one of the tensest movie going experiences I've ever had. The bleak terrain and incredible music, coupled with some really wonderful acting, convey an almost overpowering sense of dread. After that the movie begins to deteriorate, although it never becomes unwatchable. The acting is uniformly good, as is the directing. It only falls apart near the end, because it doesn't seem like the screenplay writing knew exactly what the film was supposed to be about. It goes from a comment on man's savagery to critism of America's Westward drive, to a pretty standard extended fight sequence. I don't want to give too much away, but I think the movie could have an ending as powerful as the beginning if it would have chosen a direction and stuck to it. The DVD itself is well done, is a great transfer, has some nice extras (lots of commentary and deleted scenes) and even a pretty cool Easter Egg with info on the Donner Party. All in all, if you think you would like a very unusual horror/drama, I would recommend the film.
Rating: Summary: JÆVLI BRA Review: This movie is veryvery atmospheric, the cast is great, the music is strange, and kinda sticks in my head after thinking about or watching the movie. The thing I like best about it, though, is that it surprises and goes far beyond...and did I say it is very painful to watch it, it gets me writhing and moaning and say "I feel so sorry for Captain Boyd, I wish he could just DIE". But you don`t have to like hearing steel cut through flesh and scraping the bones inside to like this movie, you just have to bear it!
Rating: Summary: Great cannibalism film. A masterpiece. Review: I love "Ravenous", it's one of my favorite films in my top ten list. I don't see why this movie didn't get the attention it should've gotten in its theatrical release. It's just that most people don't know what a good movie is when they see one. The many reasons I absolutely love "Ravenous" is because of the excellent music score composed and performed by Michael Nyman and Damon Albarn, in fact, I happen to own the soundtrack. The film is very well-cast with great performances from start to finish. Guy Pearce was superb in his portrayle of Civil War hero Captain John Boyd. I especially love the performances of Robert Carlyle as the show-stealing, cannibalistic Scotsman and Jeffrey Jones (known for "Beetlejuice" fame) as a wallnut-eating colonel. The cinematography of Anthony B. Richmond is so striking, giving a great atmosphere for each and every scene. "Ravenous" is an instant cult classic and one of the best horror films made in years. I'd recommend that those with weak stomachs should not watch this movie, for they might never eat red meat ever again. Best film since Tobe Hooper's "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", director Antonia Bird's "Ravenous" is my second favorite cannibal movie.
Rating: Summary: mmmmmm Review: Criminally overlooked when released, this is bound to become a cult classic. Funny, disturbing, and brilliantly acted, it's easily the best horror movie in a long time. Features an excellent Michael Nyman soundtrack, as well as interesting commentary by the director, who happens to be a vegetarian.
Rating: Summary: Quite possibly the worst movie I've ever seen! Review: This was the worst movie I've ever seen. I had to force myself to sit through it. By the end of the film I felt really nauseous. I've have not been able to eat red meat since viewing this film. Honestly I thought i had a stronge stomach but the extent the director goes through to show the murder and cutting up of the victims is un-necessary to get the point and effect of the movie. I stronglly advice those with a weak stomach not to watch this movie.
Rating: Summary: An Original and Mature Horror Flim Review: Ravenous is a mature horror flim where the acting and atmosphere outshine the plot. The lead roles are compelling...Guy Pearce is the melancholic and traumatized Captain Boyd. Robert Carlyle is the ghoulish Colquhoun and fiendish Ives. Carlyle's performances at the cave has the ability to "spook" the most jadded horror fans. The soundtrack serves its purpose by adding an eerie ambiance and enhancing the narrative. Ravenous is one the more original horror flims to come along.
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