A very touching and compelling film, Shepherd: The Story of A Jewish Dog will open for the first time in theaters. Based on the novel “The Jewish Dog” by Asher Kravitz and true events that happened in WWII, the film version follows a Jewish family and their plight against Nazism. Nicely directed, acted and depicted, the film may be a bit embellished, but still a very good watch for families and drama fans.
The Nazi’s are getting more powerful each day and have enacted laws that are targeted their Jewish population. Included in the Nuremberg Laws are many restrictions that force local stores to discriminate against Jews. The Shiman family has been living in Berlin and have been recently dealing with the problem by avoiding the stores, but it has put a hardship on them.
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When their German shepherd dog, Anya has puppies they are forced to give them away due to a new law banning pets for Jews. One of the dogs, Kaleb is closely attached to young Joshua Shiman (August Maturo) and they go everywhere together. Just before the Nazis start rounding up all the Jews to be sent to the concentration camps, Kaleb is given to a local farmer. Now separated from the boy he loves, Kaleb runs away from the farmhouse and later gets rescued by Ralph (Ken Duken), a Nazi SS Soldier.
From here on out the story becomes a thriller as Joshua and Kaleb have to face danger, a bid for survival, and a chance to escape from a concentration camp. Director and screenplay writer Lynn Roth does a terrific job of putting the difficult adventure on the big screen. Working with two leads Joshua and Kaleb who are going their separate ways, is no easy task. Having to keep her audience focused on both characters while they run for their lives takes a lot of control and perfect editing, but with her excellent guidance she makes the film work.
While the whole cast is very good, for his age, August Maturo gives a very believable performance under difficult circumstances. His adventure involves being an ordinary kid caught up in a hate filled country, becoming a prisoner in a concentration camp, fighting with the underground and then a try for freedom. It’s a tough role even for an experienced actor, but Maturo nails his character. Displaying a lot of pathos, resilience and determination, his Joshua is exciting and convincing. Working with Kaleb, the two look like they’ve known each other all their lives.
“Shepherd: The story of a Jewish Dog” has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains strong violence, smoking and some brutality. The film opens in select theaters so check your local listings for a theater near you. The film is a must see.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: August Maturo, Ken Duken, Ayelet Zurer, Adam Porogi, Victoria Stefanovszky, Miklos Kapacsy, Lois Robbins,
Directed and screenplay written by: Lynn Roth
Genre: Drama, Adventure, WWII
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains war violence, smoking and some brutality
Running Time: 1 hr. 45 min.
Opening Date: June 11, 2021
Released in: Select Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
