2009 Directed by Terrence Martin
Based on the real events of The Donner Party tragedy. The Donner Party was a group of California-bound American settlers caught up in the western expansion of the 1840s. After becoming snowbound in the Sierra Nevada during the winter of 1846-1847, a number of the trapped settlers joined together in a final effort to reach California and organize a rescue party.
USA
USA
Convinced that an incredible movie could be made about The Donner Party and Forlorn Hope, but this ain’t it, chief.
The movie literally ends halfway through the true story, which makes me wonder if the filmmakers ran out of money or were just too lazy to finish it. Who knows and who cares?
My kid and I have been learning about the Uruguayan rugby team that survived a plane crash in the Andes, so when I saw this pop up I couldn’t resist — especially because the full Donner story is so crazy and fun. This is a real snooze though, and the straightest Crispin Glover performance doesn’t help. Close to unwatchable.
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#4 of Christmas Season 2021 – Bury My Heart In Snow As A Gift For Earth
"For now, we are the forlorn hope."
The true story of the Donner Party undoubtedly makes interesting material for a good movie, but it seems like nobody ever truly capitalized on that potential despite there being a few attempts around.
Terrence Martin's The Donner Party has a few things going for it. It definitely takes itself seriously, I respect the decision to apparently actually shoot on location at the Donner Pass, and they got Crispin Glover for one of the lead roles. Clearly, there was a genuine passion here to make this a worthwhile production.
And it really isn't all too terrible in the…
I ate a sandwich during this and I didn’t finish it all. Might have felt guilty if I liked any of these characters.
Based on the true story of a group af American settlers heading to California over the Sierras who endure some horrific tragedies which forces them to make some unsettling decisions to survive.
Good story and cast, although the movie feels rushed at certain points and drags at others.
Not bad.
I weirdly enjoy the random, kinda-forced long shots. But the overall story was chopped up (heh) and fictionalized to unnecessary ends. Really feels like they couldve chosen better parts of the story to dwell on. Idk, editing disaster but fun at times!
Why would you choose to make a movie about true events, of which quite a lot is known, and change so many of the facts? It's dramatic enough as it is!!! It could've been a lot better. Besides, it's a bold choice to name this The Donner Party when it's about the snowshoe party.
I do like the color scheme though.
"Now you're in control of the meat"
I'm a sucker for Tahoe lore so I had to.
I really like Clayne Crawford as Eddy and Mark Boone Jr as anything, and I reeeally wish I could see them play these roles again, with a better script. They're great! Movie not so much.
Might be time for another Ravenous rewatch.
