Mixed feelings about this one. Started very emotional with the rejection of the Jewish people and the birth of the puppy dogs who have to be given away. First half hour. Then it went down: music not really aligned with this type of movie, poor acting, poor story, a chase for some Jewish people to show the dog is serving 'The Reich' but everything was so amateuristic about it. This movie could have been much much better. And I can understand that it is not easy for a dog to choose for his original boss or an SS officer who takes care of him but let him do bad thigs. In general: story good but way too amateuristic performance.
16 Reviews
The dog is the best actor
piddie-4727726 September 2020
Had potential to be such a good film, but is drastically let down by the paw acting (see what I did there) The holocaust was a truly terrible thing and any film that depicts it should be taken seriously. I found myself wanting to laugh out loud in places and that is wrong on every level. I might add laughing at the acting and not the terrible events of the holocaust. If you want to watch a moving well acted depiction of the holocaust, watch the pianist and not this drivel.
Not a Family film.
rosemarie-williams3 July 2020
This movie upset me a lot as it was classified as a Family movie.Well no,it isn't.Very sad and some violence.Too depressing for me.After 30 minutes,I couldn't watch any more.Concentration camps are not for children to watch.Would not take a child to see this.Actors were okay,but the story was not to my taste.
Iam rather disappointed with the reviews...
bheadher19 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is not an Academy Award movie certainly, and the acting is low key at best, but Shepherd none the less tells a compelling story of love between man and dog. If you have never felt the bond that only a devoted dog can instill within you then you will undoubtedly treat this film with disdain, simply because it was low budget; but if you can overcome that prejudice, you will feel something important inside.
It is a chronicle of Caleb, a German Shepherd, from his birth to the final escape from the horrors of the Holocaust. It is NOT a particularly impressive film overall and was not created as an hour and thirty-three-minute block buster; it simply did not attempt to do so. It is far more i you are willing to overlook the limitations low budget creates...give it a look see, most will not be disappointed...
It is a chronicle of Caleb, a German Shepherd, from his birth to the final escape from the horrors of the Holocaust. It is NOT a particularly impressive film overall and was not created as an hour and thirty-three-minute block buster; it simply did not attempt to do so. It is far more i you are willing to overlook the limitations low budget creates...give it a look see, most will not be disappointed...
Do they ever learn?
dionyp129 June 2020
I read about this movie and the story looked appealing to me; but a film that's about WWII, the location is in Germany and is English spoken I don't even take the effort to look at.
You make a movie about Germany, you take German actors that talk German, not English!
Next please.
A novel and heartfelt part of the Jewish Story - The concept of a Jewish dog
skpn1238 July 2020
My Canaani, Waffle who may well be a descendent of Caleb was howling in unison during parts of this lovely and unique story. This is not a high budget film and nor does it have Academy Award winning acting but it is and inspiring and memorable story that will stay with me when so much fluff I view does not.
Good Story
bryangary6524 September 2020
Incredibly boring and slow at first
manolopatronmp11 December 2020
I didn't see more than a few minutes but was slow and boring. Maybe in the future I'll give it a second chance, but if you are -8 years old and adore dogs, you probably enjoy it. And for the record, I do love good and well telling dog movies (e.g. Marley & Me, Hachiko, and others) and I could underestimating this by the slow start but is (at the first ten minutes at least) unsufferable.
Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog Review
gzembow21 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
"Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog" is a family adventure drama with the historical backdrop of WWII. The film follows the journey of Caleb, a German Shepherd who is taken from his family due to a Nazi ban on pets. He is then trained by the SS to attack Jewish prisoners. Eventually, Caleb is reunited with his former owner, Joshua, who is now a prisoner in the same camp. Together with other desperate prisoners, they plan a daring escape mission.
The film avoids excessive sentimentality and downplays the horrific imagery and gut-wrenching emotions usually seen in Holocaust-era films. It keeps the tension and terror within the PG range, making it very accessible for younger viewers to watch with older family members who will also find it compelling. The film manages to strike the right tone, delivering an honest but palatable history lesson about the Holocaust. The cute puppies serve as a lure for younger viewers, while the dog's sharp abilities make it a compelling addition to the cast. The film is nicely shot and rendered on a seemingly modest budget, with Hungary substituting for Germany.
"Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog", directed and written by Lynn Roth, is emotionally engaging and worth watching. It offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust and highlights the bravery and resilience of those affected by it. The film's message is poignant, reminding us of the power of compassion, even in the darkest of times.
The film avoids excessive sentimentality and downplays the horrific imagery and gut-wrenching emotions usually seen in Holocaust-era films. It keeps the tension and terror within the PG range, making it very accessible for younger viewers to watch with older family members who will also find it compelling. The film manages to strike the right tone, delivering an honest but palatable history lesson about the Holocaust. The cute puppies serve as a lure for younger viewers, while the dog's sharp abilities make it a compelling addition to the cast. The film is nicely shot and rendered on a seemingly modest budget, with Hungary substituting for Germany.
"Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog", directed and written by Lynn Roth, is emotionally engaging and worth watching. It offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust and highlights the bravery and resilience of those affected by it. The film's message is poignant, reminding us of the power of compassion, even in the darkest of times.
Magnificent piece of work
bluesnfitness2 May 2021
This movie strikes you to the core, whilst reminding us of the persecution faced by Jews under the Nazi legislation.
This is an absolute tear jerker, but is one of the most heartbreaking yet heartwarming movies about the concentration camps and 'mans best friend' that I've ever watched In my opinion, I rate it higher than 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas,' something I didn't think possible until this release.
This is an absolute tear jerker, but is one of the most heartbreaking yet heartwarming movies about the concentration camps and 'mans best friend' that I've ever watched In my opinion, I rate it higher than 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas,' something I didn't think possible until this release.
Gripping and moving
roth-dena3 July 2020
This movie is so full of heartfelt moments. In the darkest of chapters, this story depicts love, bravery, and resilience. I'm so glad I saw it with children (10 and 12) who were able to learn about the Holocaust thru the perspective of a boy and his dog.
A must see film for everyone
Heartfelt story to hit all your emotions
sandrinekolker2 July 2020
This was truly a beautiful story told thru the eyes of a little boy (August Maturo) about his journey with his German shepherd during WW2 Nazi Germany. I felt it was such a great way to talk about a heart wrenching time in history but in a way to still be enjoyed by the whole family. This was such a different dramatic side of Maturo who delivered an incredible performance full of heart and in some parts gut wrenching. This film is a must see and will leave you wanting for more. Bravo to the film makers for making such a film about a topic not often enough spoken about and to Maturo for the memorable performance 👍👍
Deeply moving
rkp65020 November 2020
This is a beautiful film, deeply moving and splendidly made. The dogs, especially the title shepherd, are amazing actors. The lead boy and the Nazi antagonist are both terrific. Script, direction and cinematography are all
first-rate. See it!
New favorite movie
kolkers2 July 2020
Wow! What a fantastic emotional ride. So rare to have movies take you through such an emotional journey! Was amazed with August Maturo's performance as the little boy who gets taken away first from his family, then from his family dog to be thrown into a concentration camp during World War 2. Full of surprises and a beautiful story of survival, loyalty and the unbreakable connection between a boy and his dog, get your Kleenexes ready and watch this one with no interruptions. 10 out of 10. Highly recommend for all ages 👍👍
12 rating so not for children!
traceytak26 October 2020
This is a drama about the Holocaust so it is not a family film but a good drama with the beautiful Caleb being the star actor. It is a film that depicts the bond between a young boy and his Alsatian and is portrayed very well. It is sad from the start and of course is a tragic topic but one that should be told. It is not a family film as young children should not be burdened with the pain of this era.
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