“Togo” (2019)

Togo

Brief Description:

The true story of musher Leonhard Seppala and his sled dog Togo, who brave a brutal winter journey across Alaska to save lives against all odds.  

Date: 2019

Genre: American historical adventure film

Running time: 1 hour 54 minutes 

Cast: 

Willem Dafoe: Leonhard Seppala

Diesel: Togo

Riptide: adolescent Togo

Julianne Nicholson: Constance Seppala

Christopher Heyerdahl: Mayor George Maynard

Richard Dormer: Dr. Curtis Welch

Adrien Dorval: Bill Clark

Madeline Wickins: Sally Burdett

Michael Greyeyes: Amituk

Nive Nielsen: Atiqtalik

Nikolai Nikolaeff: Dan Murphy

Thorbjørn Harr: Charlie Olsen

Catherine McGregor: Sarah Foley

Michael McElhatton: Jafet Lindeberg

Brandon Oakes: Henry Ivanoff

Paul Piaskowski: Max Adams

Michael Gaston: Joe Dexter

Shaun Benson: Gunnar Kaasen

Zahn McClarnon: Tulimak

Jamie McShane: Scotty Allan

Steven McCarthy: Dev Burdett

Director: Kim Zubick

Production company: Walt Disney Pictures

Wikipedia page

Watched on Tubi

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

This came up on my Tubi and I flagged it as "interested in watching." Two days later Tubi told me it was leaving, so hurry up and watch, which I did. I enjoyed the Alaskan setting a lot. The music fit the scenes so well, and the cinematography was really nice, especially the ones where he crossed the strait.  

Characters: 4/5

I had a few miiiinor complaints against Seppala, but just personality-wise, haha. Probably because I'm a soft-hearted Celtic instead of a practical Scandinavian. I also really admired him and all the other mushers who did so much to save Nome. Basically everyone here was likeable. 

Plot: 4/5

I had heard the story of Togo before, but I didn't remember the specifics, so I enjoyed the story all over again. It's certainly dramatic and exciting, and I liked the flashbacks layering in to give Togo's backstory. It's somber, but still cheerful. 

Romance: 5/5

I loved Seppala's relationship with Constance; they were so sweet together. 💙 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

Obviously the film is about courage and devotion. Personally I would have enjoyed more of a focus on the Lord who helped this rescue mission prosper, but even without that I was led to consider him.  

Content: 4/5 (low)

2 exclamations of "g*d"; a couple scenes where the Seppalas are in bed talking (I had 0 problem with it but just in case someone does).  

Overall: 4/5

It was a solid, enjoyable movie I'd watch again and would show my siblings, too.