Togo 2019
Directed by
Ericson Core
Made by
Disney+
Plot Summary
The film intertwines the story of musher Leonhard Seppala and his bond with the dog Togo, set against the backdrop of the 1925 serum run to Nome. Back in 1913, Seppala and his wife Constance Seppala celebrate the arrival of a fragile Siberian Husky puppy. Although Seppala is initially intent on retiring the pup due to his frail health, Constance persuades him to raise the puppy alongside the rest of their dogs. The mischievous young Husky, however, frequently escapes the kennel to join Seppala during training sessions. After several attempts to eliminate him, Seppala eventually allows the pup to train with the other dogs. To his amazement, the small Husky manages to outrun the rest, earning the name Togo, in honor of Admiral Togo Heihachiro. With devoted training, Togo eventually leads Seppala to victory in the All Alaska Sweepstakes, solidifying their fame.
Fast forward to 1925, a devastating diphtheria outbreak strikes, predominantly affecting children. With weather conditions making air delivery of the necessary serum impractical, Mayor George Maynard encourages Seppala to undertake the perilous journey to retrieve the serum himself. Despite Constance’s worry about Togo’s age of 12, Seppala, unwavering, sets off with Togo and the team into the fierce storm. During their journey, they briefly halt at an outpost where the local doctor, Amituk, expresses his concern over Togo’s fatigue. Nevertheless, Seppala forges ahead, opting for a treacherous shortcut across the frozen Norton Sound.
Unbeknownst to Seppala, a relay system had been arranged in Nome, hoping to intersect with him at the often-visited Atiqtalik cottage, due to Constance’s belief that he would take the Norton Sound shortcut, risking communication with the other teams. A serendipitous meeting with fellow musher Henry Ivanov confirms that Seppala could pass the serum along upon their reunion, while navigating across the ice presents its own challenges.
As the ice threatens to crack beneath them, Seppala and Togo must demonstrate their tenacity, with Togo having to pull a piece of ice to continue moving forward. With Joe Dexter assisting them along the way, they ultimately pass the serum to Gunnar Kaasen. However, upon arriving in Nome, a reporter mistakenly heralds Kaasen’s dog Balto as the singular hero of the day, leaving Constance feeling despondent.
Upon Seppala’s return to Nome, the townspeople gather at his home to celebrate Togo’s triumph, but the mood shatters when a young girl named Sally recognizes Togo’s declining health. Even though Seppala initially contemplates training without him, a determined Togo finds his way back to Seppala’s side. Over the following two years, Togo becomes a father, siring puppies that also gain recognition. Sadly, he passes away in 1929, leading Seppala to continue his passion for dog training. A poignant title card at the film’s conclusion reveals that while Balto received a statue in New York City, Togo is remembered for his monumental journey, having completed the longest distance and for being the true hero of Nome. It’s noted that of the 20 teams that participated in the serum run, 19 covered an average of 31 miles, while Seppala’s team traveled an incredible 264 miles.
Timeline
Arrival of Togo
In 1913, musher Leonhard Seppala and his wife Constance celebrate the arrival of a fragile Siberian Husky puppy named Togo. Initially, Seppala considers retiring Togo due to his health, but Constance convinces him to raise the pup alongside their other dogs.
Togo's Resilience
Despite his frail condition, Togo proves to be mischievous, frequently escaping the kennel to join Seppala during training sessions. Eventually, after several attempts to remove him, Seppala permits Togo to train with the other dogs and witnesses his undeniable speed.
Training and Recognition
Through consistent training and determination, Togo impresses Seppala by outrunning the other dogs, earning his name in honor of Admiral Togo Heihachiro. This victory in the All Alaska Sweepstakes solidifies their bond and Seppala's growing fame as a musher.
Diphtheria Outbreak
Fast forward to 1925, Nome suffers from a devastating diphtheria outbreak primarily impacting children. With weather conditions making air serum delivery unfeasible, local authorities look for a musher to undertake the dangerous journey to retrieve the life-saving serum.
Seppala's Decision
Despite his wife Constance's concerns about Togo's age, Seppala remains determined to set off on the treacherous journey with Togo and their team of dogs. They embark into a fierce storm, showcasing Seppala's courage and commitment to saving the children of Nome.
Doctor's Concern
During their journey, Seppala and Togo make a brief stop at an outpost where the local doctor, Amituk, expresses his worries over Togo's fatigue. Ignoring the warnings, Seppala opts to take a risky shortcut over the frozen Norton Sound to reach Nome quicker.
Unexpected Relay System
Unbeknownst to Seppala, a relay system is secretly arranged in Nome to fetch him, as Constance believes he will take the Norton Sound shortcut. This crucial plan aims to ensure the serum is delivered safely amid the hazardous conditions.
Meeting with Henry Ivanov
Seppala encounters fellow musher Henry Ivanov during his trek, who informs him that he can pass the serum along upon their reunion. This moment provides a glimmer of hope amidst the tough challenges faced on the ice as they traverse the dangerous route together.
Struggles on the Ice
As they cross the treacherous icy landscape, the ice threatens to break beneath their feet. Togo's tenacity shines through as he pulls a piece of ice, showcasing his unwavering spirit alongside Seppala's determination to reach Nome in time.
Passing the Serum
With the help of Joe Dexter along the way, Seppala and Togo successfully pass the serum to Gunnar Kaasen. Their successful delivery of the serum marks a momentous achievement in their perilous journey, crucial for the town of Nome's survival.
Misplaced Recognition
Upon their arrival in Nome, a reporter mistakenly recognizes Kaasen's dog Balto as the sole hero of the serum run, overshadowing Togo's contributions. This incident leaves Constance feeling heartbroken as she knows the truth about Togo’s incredible feat.
Community Celebration
After Seppala returns home, the townspeople gather to celebrate Togo's role in the serum run. However, the celebration quickly turns somber when a young girl, Sally, points out Togo’s declining health, casting a shadow over the joyous occasion.
Togo’s Legacy
Determined to continue working together, Togo manages to find his way back to Seppala's side even after health setbacks. Over the next two years, Togo becomes a father, siring puppies that also gain recognition, further extending his legacy as a remarkable sled dog.
Togo's Passing
Sadly, Togo passes away in 1929, marking the end of an extraordinary partnership. Seppala continues his passion for dog training in honor of Togo, cherishing the memories they created together during their remarkable journey.
Final Recognition
The film concludes with a poignant title card, highlighting Togo's monumental journey during the serum run. It informs viewers that while Balto is commemorated with a statue in New York, Togo is remembered for his unparalleled achievement, having traveled an incredible 264 miles.
Characters
Leonhard Seppala (Willem Dafoe)
Leonhard Seppala is a dedicated musher whose unwavering bond with his dog, Togo, exemplifies his commitment to both his team and the community. He is depicted as determined and brave, willing to undertake unimaginable risks for the sake of others. Seppala is also a nuanced character, balancing his love for Togo with the realism of the dog's declining health.
Constance Seppala (Julianne Nicholson)
Constance Seppala is portrayed as a supportive partner to Leonhard, advocating for Togo's potential against his initial hesitations. Her deep concern for both her husband and their dogs showcases her nurturing nature. Constance serves as a grounding presence, often reflecting the emotional stakes of the journey.
Togo
Togo, the Siberian Husky, serves as the heart of the story, known for his extraordinary intelligence and stamina. Despite his frail beginnings, Togo proves to be a remarkable lead dog who displays resilience and loyalty throughout the demanding journey. His character represents the spirit of determination and challenges the perceptions of aging and ability.
Setting
Time period
1925
The movie takes place during the 1925 serum run to Nome, a significant event in Alaskan history where dog sled teams transported diphtheria antitoxin across treacherous terrain. This period was marked by a devastating diphtheria outbreak, particularly affecting children, prompting urgent action from the community. The heroism displayed by the mushers and their dogs during this time exemplifies endurance and bravery in the face of dire circumstances.
Location
Nome, Norton Sound, Atiqtalik cottage
Nome is a city in Alaska, known for its gold rush history and this heroic serum run event. The icy expanses of Norton Sound present treacherous conditions, especially during the harsh winter storms. The Atiqtalik cottage serves as a critical relay point in the journey, symbolizing the teamwork and community spirit during a crisis.
Themes
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Courage
Courage is a central theme in 'Togo,' as Seppala and Togo embark on a dangerous journey against overwhelming odds. The determination shown by both Seppala and his aging dog highlights the special bond between humans and their pets. The film illustrates how true bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the will to continue in spite of it.
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Heroism
The theme of heroism is prevalent, as the story showcases the unsung hero, Togo, whose extraordinary efforts are ultimately overshadowed by others. It emphasizes the idea that true heroism often goes unrecognized, as demonstrated by the comparison between Togo and Balto. The film serves as a tribute to the dogs and their mushers who undertook this perilous mission to save lives.
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Survival
Survival is a powerful theme throughout the film, depicting the harsh realities of nature that Seppala and Togo must face. Their journey through blizzards and across fragile ice tests their limits, highlighting the struggle against the elements. This theme resonates with the broader context of resilience in the face of adversity, both for the mushers and the community they aim to save.
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