The Great Alaskan Race

This movie is based on true events that happened in Nome, AK at the start of the 20th Century. It was great to hear some of the details I'd not known, such as Togo being the lead dog that travelled the greatest distance of all the teams that traversed the distance and extreme temperatures to get the serum to Nome. The story is more focused on the people than the dogs, which is a nice change (and I love dogs). A very warm, heartfelt story and it's family friendly - a nice bonus! It's not filmed in the Hollywood glossy style but it tells the story it intends. One less star because some of the story comes across a little disjointed.

For a lifelong Alaskan who grew up in mushing circles, this movie was a disappointment. Superficial coverage, with jarring incongruities (CO landscape, stone cabin, plastic sled runners, a light-colored Togo, etc), left me wishing Hollywood would depict Alaska accurately by filming on location, or at least consulting for authenticity. The historic photos at the end were the best part, however, credit given to all 20 mushers by name would have been appreciated.

I am saddened by the low critical review of this film. On our local NPR station there was an interview with a historian who indicated that "Great Alaskan Race", while lower budget, was much more accurate, than the Disney behemoth, 'Togo."

Disney in my opinion has a extremely damaging habit of anthropomorphizing animals. The sled dogs in this marathon in fact were not conscious of carrying serum and were not performing any different than had they been on a long distance competitive race. Watch Togo, or for that matter Balto and you'd think the dogs were conscious of their mission. What these dogs are, are amazing athletes, amazing social group/pack on a sled team with driver, and working in conditions that are both extreme and beautiful.

Oh, and sure it was shot in Colorado, one reviewer downgraded the film to a very low score for that. ok, so the budget was probably constrained making that a necessity. But Togo while having some exteriors in Alaska, is also a LOT of blue screen, with special effects on the dogs faces -- that is much more problematic in my view.

Lastly a couple of the professional reviewers denigrated the issue of faith in this film. come on. I am an atheist but that a guy, near 100 years ago, out alone in Alaska at the every edge of survival would be praying isn't offensive to me.

I loved Balto but this movie gives you even more of the back story. A touching film of what parents will do to save their kids. I knew how it ended but I was still on the edge of my seat.

I was deeply touched with this warm film. The background music is perfectly fit in the story. Its not a commercial film but it tells the story very well. Will watch it again