The Shepherd (2019)
A Hungarian wartime drama about an old shepherd who turns grief into courage, risking his life to protect Jewish lives in 1944.
The Shepherd - Movie Information
- Original Title: A Pásztor
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: László Illés
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: Hungarian
- Spoken Languages: Hungarian
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 10, 2019 (Finland - K-16)
- Alternative Titles: The Shepherd (US), The Shepherd (UK)
The Shepherd - Plot
Hungary, 1944 - The main character is an old shepherd, who lives alone on a ranch. After his daughter got killed by Nazis, he decided in his grief to save as many Jewish lives as possible.
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The Shepherd - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- László Illés
Main Cast
- Székely B. Miklós
- András Sütö
- Horváth Ákos
- Tamás Jordán
- Ági Jókai
- Gergely Goitein
- Török Luca
- Ágota Dunai
- Graham Kitchen
- Krisztián Endrődy
Writers
- László Illés
Producers
- László Illés
- Roy McClurg Jr.
- Mitchell Speers
- Fülöp-Biri Zsuzsanna
The Shepherd - FAQs
What is The Shepherd (2019) about?
The Shepherd is set in Hungary in 1944 and follows an elderly shepherd living alone on a remote ranch. After Nazis murder his daughter, he channels his grief into quiet, courageous resistance — risking his own life to shelter and save as many Jewish people as he can.
Is The Shepherd based on a true story?
The Shepherd draws on the historical reality of wartime Hungary under Nazi occupation, depicting the kind of ordinary heroism that did occur during the Holocaust. While the central shepherd character is fictional, the moral landscape and historical context are rooted in documented events of 1944 Hungary.
Where can you watch The Shepherd (2019)?
You can stream The Shepherd for free on Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, and Cineverse. If you prefer to own or rent it, it's available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Why does the shepherd risk his life for strangers?
The shepherd's motivation is rooted in grief and moral awakening. After losing his daughter to Nazi violence, he transforms his sorrow into purposeful action. Rather than surrender to despair, he chooses to protect others facing the same fate — a deeply human response to unbearable loss.
Who are the main actors in The Shepherd?
The film is led by Székely B. Miklós in the title role of the shepherd. The supporting cast includes András Sütö, Horváth Ákos, Tamás Jordán, Ági Jókai, Gergely Goitein, Török Luca, Ágota Dunai, Graham Kitchen, and Krisztián Endrődy.
Who directed The Shepherd (2019)?
The Shepherd was written and directed by László Illés, who also served as a producer on the film. It's a Hungarian production that premiered in August 2019 at a Finnish film event, reflecting its international festival circuit journey.
What language is The Shepherd filmed in?
The Shepherd is filmed entirely in Hungarian, staying true to its setting in wartime Hungary. Viewers watching outside Hungary will typically need subtitles. The authentic language choice adds a layer of historical and emotional realism to the story.
What films are similar to The Shepherd?
If The Shepherd resonates with you, consider exploring My Neighbor Adolf (2022), The Boy in the Woods (2023), and Origin (2023) for similarly themed stories of moral courage and historical reckoning. Holy Lands (2019) and Skin (2009) also share its quiet, character-driven intensity.
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