"Into the West" (2005) TV mini-series

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

10 June 2005 (USA)

Genre:

Western | Adventure | Drama

Plot:

Tales from the American West in the 19th century, told from the perspective of two families, one of white settlers and one of Native Americans.

Plot Keywords:

TV Mini-Series

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 9 wins & 25 nominations

Cast

 (Series Cast Summary - 18 of 218)

Irene Bedard	...	Margaret Light Shines (3 episodes, 2005)
Gil Birmingham	...	Older Dogstar (3 episodes, 2005)
John Terry	...	Older Jacob Wheeler (2 episodes, 2005)
Christian Kane	...	Abe Wheeler / ... (2 episodes, 2005)
Rachael Leigh Cook	...	Clara Wheeler (2 episodes, 2005)
Tyler Christopher	...	Jacob Wheeler Jr. / ... (2 episodes, 2005)
Sheila Tousey	...	Older Thunderheart Woman (2 episodes, 2005)
Tonantzin Carmelo	...	Thunder Heart Woman (2 episodes, 2005)
William Joseph Elk III	...	'Young' - White Crow (2 episodes, 2005)
Warren Kole	...	Robert Wheeler (2 episodes, 2005)
Zahn McClarnon	...	Running Fox (2 episodes, 2005)
Russell Means	...	Running Fox (2 episodes, 2005)
Tatanka Means	...	Crazy Horse (2 episodes, 2005)
Jonathan Scarfe	...	General George Armstrong Custer (2 episodes, 2005)
Eric Schweig	...	Sitting Bull (2 episodes, 2005)
Matthew Settle	...	Jacob Wheeler (2 episodes, 2005)
Michael Spears	...	Dog Star (2 episodes, 2005)
Skeet Ulrich	...	Jethro Wheeler (2 episodes, 2005)

Runtime:

552 min (6 parts)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Singapore:NC-16 | Australia:M | Netherlands:12 | Germany:12 (DVD rating)

Filming Locations:

Drumheller, Alberta, Canada

Company:

DreamWorks Television

Quotes:

Rachel Wheeler: Wait! I'm going with you! There's nothing for us here - nothing for any of us. And we can help with the children.
Jacob Wheeler: Who's we?
Rachel Wheeler: [Naomi and Leah Wheeler come running up to the wagons] Naomi's fiance went and married someone else. She wants to disappear from the face of the earth... we figure that's where you're going.

Movie Connections:

References The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

Great entertainment

My husband and I have really enjoyed the two episodes that have aired so far and we are eagerly anticipating the remaining episodes. This mini series is both entertaining and educational. I can only imagine the effort that was spent to recreate the look and feel of that period in time. The use of the native American language adds realism. Can you imagine how unrealistic it would look if all the native Americans spoke fluent English? This movie does a great job of depicting the journey west as something both exciting and extremely dangerous. I noticed in the comments section that some viewers find certain plot scenes unrealistic. You have to realize that the settlers were ordinary people with no special training regarding how to survive out west, therefore they succumb to drowning, diseases, and yes, getting run over by a wagon.

I also thought the casting was well done in this movie. I enjoyed watching Keri Russell, Matthew Settle, Jay Tavare, and the rest of the cast. At times the movie is moving at such a fast pace that I got the impression scenes were left out in order to fit into the time slot allowed. I hope a DVD will be released so we may see some extra scenes. I would highly recommend this movie to families or anyone who enjoys great entertainment.