We are on a slow path out of Lockdown. We’ve been allowed to dine out and nonessential shops are now open. So as life resume some form of normality, maybe there will be less TV watching. But cinemas will not open any time before the 17th May.
But in the last year, we had spent a lot of time in front of the telly. From last Spring to Summer and then into Winter, we even had a blanket for cooler nights.
Mum has watched more telly in one year than ten years of her life! She and her friends were constantly exchanging tips on what to watch next.
We have our favourites too … and these are three that we had watched during Lockdown that we rather like.
Togo on Disney+ – the untold true story set in the winter of 1925 that traverses 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 Sepapala, and his lead sled dog, Togo.
The film centers on Leonhard Seppala and his titular sled dog in the 1925 serum run to Nome to transport diphtheria antitoxin serum through harsh conditions during an epidemic of diphtheria. Wikipedia
It stars Willem Dafoe and Julianne Nicholson. Dramatic cinematography, brilliant acting, requires a lot of tissues especially dog lovers. It is heart-wrenchingly beautiful.
Red Dog on Amazon Prime – is a legendary true story of the Red Dog (a Kelpie/cattle dog cross) who is mostly without an owner. He hitched rides all over the outback, until one day he met the man who was to become his master, American John Grant, a bus/truck driver. Red Dog united a disparate local community while roaming the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Elements of it reminded us of Greyfriars Bobby. Required – a box of tissues.
The Art of Racing in the Rain on Amazon Prime – a family dog with a near-human soul and a philosopher’s mind evaluates his life through the lessons learned by his human owner, a race-car driver.
The movie was adapted from the book by Gareth Stein – one of Mum’s all-time favourite book. The movie is now available on Amazon Prime, starring Milo Ventimiglia (aka Jack Pearson on This is Us) while Kevin Costner is the voice of Enzo. Again – have tissues ready!
Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.
Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn’t simply about going fast. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.
A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life … as only a dog could tell it. GoodReads.com
It goes without saying that Marley & Me is another favourite – and a classic. I am sure you have seen this if you’re reading our blog! LOL!
Have you seen any of these? If not, have a watch before they let us out and we will be busy with our daily lives again!
Mays’ comment: There’s quite a few good dog movies out there but these are our favourites. They all require a box of tissues!
Which are your favourite doggy movies?
Can’t believe how much television I had watched and will be watching the Oscar or BAFTA nominated films since we can’t see them at the cinemas. I am not sure I will be rushing to the cinema any time soon.
