Here are five movies from various platforms that families may want to consider, as recommended by the Deseret News features department and Ok.com. Because not all are appropriate for younger children, age recommendations are included.
In recognition of Utah's Pioneer Day, here are five films featuring Western or pioneer life for families to consider.
Amazon Video: '17 Miracles'
Based on actual events, "17 Miracles" brings to life the story of a group of Mormon pioneers who travel across the plains to start a new life. The group includes Levi Savage, portrayed by Jasen Wade, who warns the group of possible disaster by leaving late in the season, but he is determined to help the group reach the Salt Lake Valley anyway. Doug Wright wrote in his review of the film, directed by T.C. Christensen, that it "brings the story of the Willie Handcart Company to life in a most unique and touching way." He calls the story of survival and courage "refreshing and inspiring" with a particular nod to Wade's Levi, who is witness to many of the miracles, adding, "In many ways, the story is told through the joy, concern, shock and sorrow in this character's eyes." Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
Amazon Video: 'So Dear To My Heart'
Set in 1903 in Indiana, a young country boy raises a lamb that is rejected by its mother. The boy is determined to show the lamb at the county fair despite the objections of his grandmother and the mischievous antics of the lamb. Movieguide.org calls the Disney film a "winsome, entertaining, fabulous movie with totally solid, surprising, thoroughgoing Christian biblical worldview." Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 3 and older.
iTunes: 'The Man from Snowy River'
In 1880s Australia, a young man takes a job at a cattle ranch in an effort to save his family farm. Common Sense Media praised the cinematography and horse sequences of the "charming and feel-good film, especially for audiences who like stories about self-starting young heroes who don't let their perceived station in life get in the way of their ambition or their sense of duty." Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
DVD: 'The Work and the Glory 2: American Zion'
Parent Previews notes the plight of the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is "sympathetically addressed in this well-crafted movie," stating that "their story is part of America's history." The website compares the trials of the Mormons to the Jews with a note that viewers do not have to be of the same religious persuasion to empathize, rather all that is needed is "a heart that holds freedom as a sacred right for all mankind." Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 12 and older.
iTunes: 'An American Tail: Fievel Goes West'
In this sequel to the original Don Bluth film, the Mousekewitz family heads West in pursuit of the American dream, and to escape the threat of cats. Movieguide.org calls "Fievel Goes West" an "action-packed film in which good triumphs over evil," stating that "the caricatures are clever, amusing and downright entertaining." The website does advise that the film may be too complicated for young children. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 5 and older.
Email: crandall@deseretnews.com