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Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog

Play trailer 1:44 Poster for Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog 2021 1h 33m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
80% Tomatometer 15 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
The timeless, unbreakable bond between a boy and his faithful dog is put to the ultimate test in 1930s Germany, in the drama SHEPHERD: THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG. When the Nuremberg Laws are passed forbidding Jews to own pets, Kaleb, a German Shepherd, is separated from his Jewish family and his beloved 10 year old master, Joshua. Kaleb becomes a street dog, is captured and eventually adopted by an SS dog trainer at a Nazi work camp where Kaleb has now been trained to help round up and terrorize Jewish prisoners. One day when a new trainload of prisoners arrives at the camp, Joshua steps out of that train and a miraculous reunion takes place as Kaleb rediscovers his unwavering loyalty to his young master Joshua. Together the pair attempt to escape the camp and begin the perilous journey to freedom. Based on the bestselling Israeli novel "The Jewish Dog" by Asher Kravitz.
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Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog

Critics Reviews

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Gary Goldstein Los Angeles Times 05/28/2021
Younger viewers will receive a worthy, accessible lesson in the era's dreadful legacy, though older audiences may sometimes find its approach - and a few of the performances - a tad on-the-nose. Go to Full Review Courtney Howard Variety 05/28/2021
This tear-jerker finds a fresh angle on familiar tragedy and turbulence, following a German Shepherd through World War 2. Go to Full Review Carlos Aguilar RogerEbert.com 05/28/2021
1/4
The stale form isn't the most disappointing variable of this barely competent work, but the performances that border on cartoonish. Go to Full Review Pat Padua Spectrum Culture 07/29/2021
60/100
Roth navigates this emotional (and inevitably literal) minefield with blunt skill. Go to Full Review Allison Rose FlickDirect 06/17/2021
4/5
Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog sheds some light on how the Nuremberg Laws impacted a large part of the world and not just human lives. Go to Full Review Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens 06/02/2021
Touch[es] the soul and warms even the coldest heart. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Henry 06/13/2021 This movie was unique. Different than anything I've seen. Especially about this subject matter. It has many levels--aspects that young people will like and complex ideas for adults. And these have to be the best dog actors I've ever seen! This is well worth your time. See more ava r 06/12/2021 It was so interesting and compelling. See more Dena 05/31/2021 This is a very deeply touching story of the relationship between a Jewish boy and his dog. It is set against the backdrop of the ever growing oppression of Jews in 1940s Germany. Very well told and appropriate for older children. See more Nandy 05/29/2021 A wonderful, moving film that captures the holocaust in a unique personal way. See more maria d @RT84124717 03/28/2024 A well done movie, I highly recommend it specially the dog 💯 See more richard g @RT20476985 02/09/2023 A wonderful, touching motion picture that is not only entertaining but informative and important for everyone. I loved this movie!! I noticed an updated title: "SHEPHERD - The Story of a Hero Dog" The acting, directing and writing are top notch and this is a must see film. See more Read all reviews
Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Lynn Roth

Director

August Maturo

Joshua

Ayelet Zurer

Shoshonna

Ken Duken

Ralph

Rebeka Rea

Komorsky's Daughter

Lois Robbins

Greta

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Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog

Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog: Trailer 1 Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog: Trailer 1 1:44 View more videos
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Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog

Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog (2019) Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog (2019) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis The timeless, unbreakable bond between a boy and his faithful dog is put to the ultimate test in 1930s Germany, in the drama SHEPHERD: THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG. When the Nuremberg Laws are passed forbidding Jews to own pets, Kaleb, a German Shepherd, is separated from his Jewish family and his beloved 10 year old master, Joshua. Kaleb becomes a street dog, is captured and eventually adopted by an SS dog trainer at a Nazi work camp where Kaleb has now been trained to help round up and terrorize Jewish prisoners. One day when a new trainload of prisoners arrives at the camp, Joshua steps out of that train and a miraculous reunion takes place as Kaleb rediscovers his unwavering loyalty to his young master Joshua. Together the pair attempt to escape the camp and begin the perilous journey to freedom. Based on the bestselling Israeli novel "The Jewish Dog" by Asher Kravitz.
Director
Lynn Roth
Producer
Lynn Roth, Craig Berenson, J. Todd Harris, Howard Rosenman
Screenwriter
Lynn Roth
Distributor
Glass Half Full Media
Production Co
FocusFox Studio, JDOG Films
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 28, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 14, 2023
Runtime
1h 33m
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