Cheap Ravenous (DVD) (Guy Pearce, Robert Carlyle) (Antonia Bird) Price

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Customer Reviews of Ravenous

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.

The Thinking Person's Movie about Cannibalism
The story really gets started at a fort in the Sierra Nevada's when a near dead stranger arrives at the fort and tells a tale that sounds very similar to the real story of the Donner party. But then things get much weirder! Don't eat that stew! This movie draws in religious references to Christianity, American Manifest Destiny, and Native American folklore, to create an intellectually and mythologically stimulating brew for the culturally receptive mind.

The humor takes the edge off the horror, and the horror takes the edge off of the humor, in a brilliant balance that leaves this movie defying categorization. It remains far too serious to be called dark comedy, but it still has its fair share of humor. Some of the more intense moments in the movie gain an erie and otherworldly tone when juxtaposed against some of the maniacally joyful music that accompanies those moments. The acting proves brilliant! And the dynamics between Robert Carlyle and Guy Pierce, hit a compelling range, from curious interest, to hatred and disgust, and even reaching the depths of thinly veiled homoerotic situational innuendo. The rest of the acting was great, but this amazing duo truly left the most memorable impression.

I think the unfavorable reviews offered by some of the "professional critics" more reflects their inability to handle this topic at all, than any shortcomings of the movie itself. If you think you may be a little sensitive about the topic of cannibalism, you have been warned. I really don't think that any of the gruesomeness was gratuitous, and certainly the movie could have been a LOT more gory than it was. You simply can't pretend to discuss cannibalism without gruesomeness. To do otherwise would have been a Pollyanna whitewash job. If you have ever thought about becoming vegetarian, especially for aesthetic and moral reasons, this film just might push you over the edge! Unless you have an unusually "gothic" family or relationship, this isn't your typical date movie or family entertainment.

refer to "painfully boring" review
The reviewer of this film, who calls it "painfully boring" simply typifies many american viewers. his review in its simplicity should be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.

...if you're the type who has a short attention span; the reviewer is correct. all others will enjoy this rather off-beat horror/action and dark comedy.