I was down in the forest. I found a boy. He had such an innocent look. Like death was the only right choice for him. (The Shepherd talks of one of his experiences in the woods and fields near his home).
The Shepherd is not to be recommended as essential viewing. Such a warning should be placed on the opening titles. That is unless someone says that they would like to see a film which effectively and brutally depicts the sorts of trauma the Jews suffered during WWII. Then it may be that you will be in the perfect position to recommend The Shepherd.
The Shepherd is a Hungarian film about war and the brutality war pressed upon people. No race bore a greater brunt than the Jews, so The Shepherd serves up a story based on truth, about why war is futile. Another cinematic contribution to impress upon people that we must never forget this lesson.
Szekely B. Miklos plays our shepherd and hero. The earthy life he leads in rural Hungary is evident and the introductory 20 minutes filmed in no more that 3 takes leaves us in no doubt about the dank world he lives in. He's not alone, there is gunfire close by, he and his sheep move into the woods and nearby pastures. He has a greater role to play on behalf of his fellow human being. His woods and fields are cut through by a road the Nazis use to transport their mainly Jewish cargo on route to a death camp. The shepherd is brave and cares little for his own safety. His acts of bravery make him the hero he deserves to be in our eyes.
This is not a film to be trifled with. It is brutal, terrifying, exhausting but at the same time brilliant. Only see it if you know you need to be reminded once again of that futility theme I discussed earlier. You have been warned. 10GUMS.
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