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

Directors:

Robert Dornhelm
Sergio Mimica-Gezzan

Writers:

Kirk Ellis (writer)
William Mastrosimone (writer)

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.

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 9 wins & 25 nominations

Cast

Matthew Settle	...	Jacob Wheeler
Josh Brolin	...	Jedediah Smith
Tonantzin Carmelo	...	Thunder Heart Woman
Gary Busey	...	Johnny Fox
Michael Spears	...	Dog Star
Zahn McClarnon	...	Running Fox
Skeet Ulrich	...	Jethro Wheeler
Will Patton	...	James Fletcher
John Terry	...	Older Jacob Wheeler
Christian Kane	...	Abe Wheeler / High Wolf
Sage Galesi	...	Margaret Light Shines
Rachael Leigh Cook	...	Clara Wheeler
Gordon Tootoosis	...	Growling Bear
Tyler Christopher	...	Jacob Wheeler Jr. / Touch the Sky
Alan Tudyk	...	Nathan Wheeler

Runtime:

552 min (6 parts)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Netherlands:12 | Australia:M | Singapore:NC-16

Filming Locations:

Drumheller, Alberta, Canada

Company:

Alianza Films International

Quotes:

Jethro Wheeler: I've always been envious of you brother. You always had that spark, that sense of adventure. I always wished I could be like that... Like you.
Jacob Wheeler: You are like me Jethro.
Jethro Wheeler: That's the nicest thing you could say to me.

Movie Connections:

Featured in 12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (2006) (TV)

Well Done Show

I watched this not expecting much, and though the start was slow the show really picked up momentum by the second half. Acting was solid, but the storyline is what I think will really be good. I enjoyed the portrayal of both the settler/native side of the story. One thing that really makes the show unique is the use of native language- you hear English, several native languages, Spanish, and so on. That made it feel more authentic. I think that people who are interested in native culture will enjoy it, since it tells things from that point of view, but without being preachy or heavy handed- there are good and bad characters in both cultures. My only complaint is that the main character, Wheeler, is a little wide eyed and borders on corny at times, but hopefully that will get better as the series goes on.