Togo, a movie based on a true story and events that occurred in 1925, just made its debut on streaming service Disney Plus. However, it takes place in a harsh environment and is about a dog trying to survive - and endure - its harsh environment. As a result, is it kid friendly? I’m answering this question and more in my spoiler-free parent movie review. Keep reading to find out what ages this movie is appropriate for, and whether or not there is bad language, violence, and mature content.
Photo by Walt Disney Studios.
TOGO ON DISNEY PLUS: A PARENT MOVIE REVIEW
My 7 year old son was reluctant to watch Togo after watching the trailer. One of the scenes shows Togo, and other sled dogs, trying to navigate glaciers. The movie takes place in Alaska in 1925 and the main character, Leonhard Seppala (portrayed by Willem Dafoe), and his team of sled dogs are trying to get a antitoxin serum back to their small town in Nome in order to help those that are sick and dying (including children). Sounds like some pretty heavy stuff, doesn’t it?
Photo by Walt Disney Studios.
However, while there’s plenty of action in Togo, there’s also a lot of heart. The movie is seen in flashbacks at times, when Togo is a young pup, trying to prove himself as a lead sled dog. This breaks up the intensity of the other scenes, and also provides lighthearted moments, especially to younger kids. That’s when my son started becoming more interested in the movie.
THE ACTING, CINEMATOGRAPHY, AND MUSICAL SCORE IN TOGO
The acting is great - Willem Dafoe is an actor who can play a variety of roles. Because it takes a certain type of fortitude to survive in a place like Alaska (especially in 1925), Leonhard has a tough exterior. His wife, Constance (played by Julianne Nicholson), is the perfect complement. While Constance also knows that it takes a certain fortitude to survive, she’s the one who tries to convince Leonhard to give Togo a chance. The cinematography and musical score is equally great in Togo - when the characters and the sled dogs are involved in perilous situations, the musical score reflects that, as does the cinematography. Likewise, the music has a happier tone and the cinematography is a lot brighter during the flashbacks, to reflect the lighthearted moments as Togo as a puppy.
IS TOGO KID FRIENDLY?
Yes. While there are some on-the-edge-of-your-seat type of moments, there isn’t a lot of profanity - I only caught one curse word (da**). And there also isn’t any sexually suggestive scenes; there are a few kisses between Leonhard and Constance, but that’s the extent of it. There’s also not any violence per se. However, the movie takes place in Alaska during a severe snowstorm. As a result, Leonhard and his dog sled are put in perilous situations. As for injuries, Togo does suffer some injuries. But, this movie does have an ending that will satisfy all ages. As for recommended ages, depending on your child’s personality, I think it’s appropriate for kids 5 years old and older. However, if your child is sensitive, especially when it comes to animals, then it might be better to wait until they are a little bit older. Overall, this is a movie that I would have paid to take my son to see on the big screen. It’s a high caliber film with great acting, cinematography, and a lot of heart.
Are you looking for other kid friendly movies on Disney Plus? If so, click here for my review of Lady and the Tramp and here for my review of Noelle.
ABOUT TOGO
From Disney+, “Togo” is the untold true story set in the winter of 1925 that takes you across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra for an exhilarating and uplifting adventure that will test the strength, courage and determination of one man, Leonhard Seppala, and his lead sled dog, Togo. When a deadly epidemic strikes the town of Nome, Alaska, and the only cure is more than 600 miles away, the town looks to champion dogsled trainer Leonhard Seppala (Willem Dafoe) to help transport an antitoxin serum. Seppala turns to Togo, an unassuming, undersized and aging Siberian husky, to be his lead. His wife (Julianne Nicholson) has championed Togo since his days as a mischievous puppy who could dig himself out of any situation—literally and figuratively—and Seppala, having observed Togo’s loyalty and tenacious spirit, knows Togo offers his only chance of surviving this mission. Undaunted by the massive storm heading their way or his wife’s urging him not to go, Seppala and Togo set out on the deadliest leg of what becomes a larger relay involving multiple mushers and gale-force winds that send the wind chill to -70 degrees F with little to no visibility. It is a harrowing journey on which Togo saves Seppala from certain death, causing the veteran musher to grasp the depth and intensity of his feelings for his lead dog, even as he risks running him to his death. They complete the task in time with Togo going down in history as one of the greatest sled dogs ever, but it is this unbreakable bond between man and dog which is the ultimate prize—and which truly saves Seppala. An untold true story starring four-time Oscar® nominee Willem Dafoe as Leonhard Seppala, “Togo” is directed by Ericson Core and written by Tom Flynn and produced by Kim Zubick, with Douglas S. Jones serving as executive producer. The film also stars Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl, Richard Dormer, Michael Greyeyes, Michael McElhatton and Michael Gaston.
I really enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it.