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

User Rating:

8.1/10   

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

Christian Kane	...	Abe Wheeler / ... (2 episodes, 2005)
Tonantzin Carmelo	...	Thunder Heart Woman (2 episodes, 2005)
William Joseph Elk III	...	'Young' - White Crow (2 episodes, 2005)
Zahn McClarnon	...	Running Fox (2 episodes, 2005)
Tatanka Means	...	Crazy Horse (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:

Jedediah Smith: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and take hold of my boot!

Movie Connections:

References The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

A Wondrous Journey into the Past and the Future

I have diligently watched this series since the beginning. I have re-watched all the episodes at least twice.

Having some knowledge of Native American history, I have found that again Spielberg has done his homework on both sides of the journey west.

I feel that he has portrayed both sides more than fair and hope that this movie will open the eyes of those who still believe in the stereo typed "Indian, Pioneer, and Mountain Man. I hope that this movie again will make people understand what happens to "Nations" when there is prejudice and ignorance.

I found some inconsistencies in some of the issues with the personal lives of Indians, that I am fairly sure are not true. For example men didn't attend the births of their children..This was considered bad luck.

I also felt sometimes that I must of missed something. For example, Naomi was with the wagon train that was attacked by the Cheyenne? Then she was suddenly named "Five Horses." I assume that meant she was bought from those that captured her from the wagon train. This whole episode, though romantic was a bit unrealistic.Women of her age were seldom if ever adopted into any tribe. They were consdered to be "untrainable."

I found the language a bit stilted at times, but, considering that a lot of these actors are from other tribes, I think they did exceptionally well.

I have waited since Dances with Wolves for a good, honest portrayal of Native Americans...I finally got it...Thank you to all involved!

Mitakuye Oyasin

'Hanble Omani Winyan