Togo

Stunning, truly stunning.

As I pressed play on 'Togo' and began watching the initial scenes unfold, I was expecting a rehash/retread on Disney's previous films on this sort - e.g. 'White Fang' or 'Iron Will'. Those are good in their own right, but this 2019 film - which is about a true story - takes things to another dimension.

It tugs at the heartstrings profusely, from the first scene to the very last. It's superbly written, with there being a fair amount of surprises in terms of how the story unfolds. It's shot beautifully and put together, via the set design etc., excellently, while the score is magnificent.

Then you have the dogs, who are insanely charming throughout - especially, of course, the star that is Togo (Diesel). There's many a moment with him that produce all the feelings, from joy to sorrow to everything in between. The dogs are great and incredibly adorable.

Away from all of that, you have an outstanding performance from Willem Dafoe. Before seeing this, the most I remember of him is his role in 'Mr. Bean's Holiday'. This now takes over in those regards, it's a brilliant job done by Dafoe. Julianne Nicholson merits praise, also.

What a film. Not what I was expecting whatsoever, in the nicest possible way. Glad to see it has also been highly rated online. A must-watch!