jcromwell66762 First, I called this a "SPOILER" but this movie is based on an historical event, even though it may be dramatized, if you made it through the 8th grade, you kind of know how it ends. But anyways.I am a big fan of historical films, though it is based on the Donner story, and I would say that, if I had to guess, at least for the emotional reactions, conversations, and such, that is pretty much as good a possible scenario as any. It was well written, and I enjoyed the fact that they tried to give the perspective of all the primary characters. Even if it was one you may not have agreed with, you can still at least gain an understanding of why they chose to do what they did. Very well directed as well. The director was able to get true emotional responses from the actors, making the characters just that much more realistic.I am a former truck driver, and have, many times, been over Donner Pass in the dead of winter. It looks just like where they filmed. And it is STILL just as treacherous.I think, even though I will have to say it is probably more "drama than data" its still a good perspective look into the psychology of those in the party, even if it is only loosely based on historical fact.

zBirdman "The Donner Party" (tagline: Based on the true events of The Forlorn Hope) is a pseudo-historical depiction of the ONLY portion of the Donner Party tragedy that has any hopefulness to it; the splinter group (AKA: The Forlorn Hope) that attempts to find rescue for the rest of the party.Notable for Crispen Glover's remarkably subdued performance (remarkable in that I didn't know he knew how to do anything "subdued"), the film does an amazing job of capturing the feel and tension of the situation.As with another film that involved subsistence cannibalism (the movie about the Soccer team that crashed in the Andes called "Alive"), the cannibalism, while somewhat central to the story, is very understated. You know what is going on, but it is hardly obvious; I doubt most kids would understand what was going on. That's not to say that this is a film for kids, but just as an example of how delicately the subject matter is handled.Some fairly severe liberties were taken with the screenplay. Yes, they drew straws, but they were unable to follow through with that plan. Glover's character does come across as a little too eager to slaughter others. It's one thing to consume another person's body in order to survive, but it's entirely a different matter to TAKE a person's life for the same purpose. Plus, it hardly seemed necessary (in the context of the film) given how many others were dropping dead from hunger or exposure already... why execute someone who is still mobile? Regarding the demand that Glover repeatedly makes to the other party member about everyone needing to "contribute to the pot"... The character he was talking to had been hoarding food for himself. Glover knew about it, and was willing to put up with it until he found out the provisions they were looking for were non-existent. Glover was asking (demanding) that he share whatever food he had left with the rest of the party... and to do so without raising the ire of the others in the party who were apparently unaware that he had been eating while all were starving to death around him.Shooting the film in the actual area where the events occurred, and with a believable amount of snow, really adds to the feel of the film.Having Glover's character killed at the end is the most pointless change in the whole film. Why kill off one of the real survivors? Could it be just to shock and surprise all those Donner Party experts? Doubtful. Seems more like a sloppy screen writing attempt to wrap things up with "a bang"... disappointing.I give it 5 out of 10... the 5 are for the mood, cinematography, location, music and Glover's performance. I can't give it more than that, as the changes they made to the actual events for the most part were somewhat pointless. They could easily have made the same film while maintaining historical accuracy without losing any of the story that they ended up with.Worth watching it, but I can't see owning it.

Michael O'Keefe This is based on the true story of pioneers, who leave on a trip to the land of orange groves, milk and honey...the Promised Land. The party makes a split with a promise of a shorter trek through the Sierra Nevada Mountains leading to California. Following several snow storms they find themselves trapped, freezing with a dwindling supply of food. The group splits again as a small contingent try to forge ahead to California and form a rescue party. Even that is doomed. The fateful group of pioneer's camaraderie turns to cannibalism in the name of survival.The movie is pretty gloomy as expected to be. Harsh and harrowing, depressing at the very least; but THE DONNOR PARTY is worth watching. Some impressive acting in the form of Clayne Crawford and Crispin Glover. Also in support are: Mark Boone Junior, Christian Kane, Michelle Santopietro, Jamie Anne Allman and Catherine Black.

samkan The filming (colors..septia?), background music and sparse, terse script do a great job of setting up spooky suspense. Within minutes the viewer is drawn into this desperate setting! The characters are not overdrawn with background but are set up very well. Indeed, the movie doesn't try to explain the plight, story, etc., of the infamous Donner party but instead is a largely fictionalized account of its infamous group which set out to seek help, long referred to as "The Forlorn Hope".Given the above correction (changing the point of view) the film then takes some missteps, primarily in its depiction of the ultimate vice practiced by the "The Forlorn Hope", which was much too compromised here. Also, the major conflict between the two male leads becomes too black and white; e.g., Glover's character becomes too much of a bogeyman and the protagonist too virtuous. In contrast, TFH's women are under drawn in the second half of the flick.With some work this film could have been a great thriller.