Watch Togo

Togo is a 2019 biographical drama film based on the true story of the sled dog named Togo and his musher Leonhard Seppala, played by Willem Dafoe. The film is directed by Ericson Core and written by Tom Flynn. The movie is set in Alaska during the winter of 1925, when a deadly epidemic of diphtheria threatens the lives of the children in the small town of Nome. The only hope of providing medicine to the sick children is by dog sled. The most famous part of this story is the remarkable relay that rescued Nome, an event in which Togo played a crucial role.

The movie begins by introducing the main character Togo, a sickly runt of a Siberian Husky that was rejected by his mother. Despite being seen as a weak puppy, Seppala saw something different in him and spent extra time training him to become his lead sled dog.

The story starts off with Seppala relying on Togo by making him the lead dog during his delivery run to get vital medication from Nenana 600 miles away. The dogs must navigate through rough terrain, including ice-covered rivers, as they face treacherous weather conditions.

As they make the dangerous journey, Togo proves his worth, constantly pushing the team forward and keeping them moving even when the trail seems impossible to follow. Togo's incredible instincts and Seppala's unwavering trust in his dog allow them to navigate through dangerous conditions and deliver the medicine to the town of Nome, in record-breaking time.

Throughout the film, we see glimpses of Togo's earlier and more lighthearted life, including his beginnings as a lonely runt and his early days training as a sledding dog. We also see his special bond with Seppala, who cares deeply for him, recognizing the unique abilities of Togo.

Despite being genetically overlooked, the film establishes that Togo had amazing intelligence and was well-known for his probing energy and work in the Alaskan dog community. Togo was viewed highly as a leader and his strength and mental aptitude, which proved essential to his great contributions to the Big Race.

Willem Dafoe gives a powerful performance as Seppala, portraying a deeply committed and loving owner, knowing his dog’s potential to be an asset in the gruelling conditions they work in. Dafoe, echoed by Nicholson and Heyerdahl, gives a solid performance that effectively sells this story of personal dedication and the unconventional strides of underdogs.

Christopher Heyerdahl, who plays the role of the veterinarian, provides a great dimension to the film by bringing a knowledge and understanding of the dog community, lending credibility to the film's historical context, and successfully conveying the scientific knowledge used in the course of the story.

The film features absolutely stunning cinematography that showcases the majestic beauty of Alaska's landscape. The shots of the sled dogs racing through snow-covered forests, crossing icy rivers, and navigating through blinding blizzards are simply breathtaking.

In conclusion, Togo is an uplifting and inspiring true story that showcases the strength of the human-dog bond and how, with bravery and determination, even the seemingly impossible can be achieved. This film is big-hearted and emphasizes the importance of animal intelligence and human capacity to recognize its capabilities. It is the type of film that will make you feel inspired and uplifted, and it is definitely an enjoyable watch for those who love heartwarming animal stories.